It’s been more than 10 years since we lost Eli.

Eli’s life began with so much hope and joy. Born in Florida, after a long surrogacy journey, he was a beautiful, healthy baby boy. But just weeks before we were due to return home to London, at the age of three months, Eli was struck by severe meningitis. After four terrifying weeks in paediatric intensive care, he began his fight back to us. Although he survived, the meningitis left him with severe brain damage, affecting his hearing, vision, movement and much more.

The years that followed were packed with hospital appointments, therapy sessions and treatments - a journey none of us could have imagined. We were incredibly fortunate to have the support of Small Steps, who were there for us during Eli’s early years. Apart from their professional support for the children, their understanding of the importance of parents’ wellbeing - bringing parents together, providing a safe space for families and creating lifelong friendships - made a real difference to our family at a time when we were learning how to navigate a completely new world.

Small Steps continues to provide specialist support to babies and young children with neurological and developmental difficulties, while also supporting their families through what can be an incredibly challenging time. Their approach goes far beyond therapy: they create a community where children are understood, parents are supported and families can share experiences with others who truly understand. For us, Small Steps was not simply a service we attended - it became a place of friendship, understanding and support when we needed it most.

On 13 September, I’ll be taking on the London to Brighton bike ride, riding alongside my fabulous friend Agi, to raise money for Small Steps and help them continue their work with children and families who need them.

Bike rides were an integral part of Eli’s life. Against all odds, and despite all the hurdles, and sometimes against advice.. we were riding everywhere together: to playgroups, doctors’ appointments and school. Eli loved feeling the wind, the rain (and every pothole), he loved hearing the noisy traffic around us and interacting with other riders. Cycling gave us a way of getting out into the world together, and some of my happiest memories with Eli are from those rides.

So, on 13 September, Eli will be riding with Agi and me in spirit. And if you would like to join us on this ride, you can do so by supporting an organisation that was there for us when we needed it most.

If you can spare anything at all, please consider making a donation. Every contribution will help Small Steps continue the work that means so much to families like ours.

Thank you for remembering Eli with us, and for supporting Small Steps.