This time last year, we had no idea that Laura-May had hydrocephalus - or the challenging journey ahead of her and us as her parents. Finding out your loved one has a life long neurological condition is hard enough but then you need to learn all about the condition, be aware of the 'danger signs' and have a point of contact to go to for advice, support and understanding.

Shine have been a fantastic support to us all as a family. Last year, during Hydrocephalus Week we all attended various online sessions, which educated us about the condition and all that it entails, all the symptoms that were indicators of overdraining/underdraining/shunt malfunction/shunt blockage etc (unbeknown to us - Laura-May was going to experience all of these over 10 months). it was due to attending these sessions and having the team on the end of a message or the phone, that as parents we understood the condition and were able to support Laura-May and understand what was happening to her. Shine also send us materials and a 'Shunt Card' that we all carry, so in case of emergency, a medical team will know her shunt settings immediately.

Shine offer support groups and these have been invaluable - Laura-May attends monthly session (this has been really important as she doesn't feel alone and can talk to others that truly understand what she is going through). We attend the parents group - and can ask questions and speak to other parents for advice and support.

We will link back in with Shine again, as Laura-May looks forward to returning to college in September 2025 and we have all the necessary steps in place for her return,

Last year, was the hardest year of our lives as a family - but we are now moving forwards (we lots of regular check ups, scans and appointments with various medical teams) - but now we want to give back to Shine and have decided to walk 8 miles (each mile representing each operation that Laura-May went through). We are going to do our walk on Sunday 16th March at the end of Hydrocephalus Awareness Week - this is to raise awareness of the condition and Shine - any support that anyone can give us is very much appreciated.

Shine provides specialist support from before birth and throughout the life of anyone living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, as well as to parents, families, carers and professional care staff. Shine enables people to get the best out of life.

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