Theo is turning 1 in September and we are celebrating with a fundraiser for Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital (SaTH) Neonatal Unit (NICU)

When he was born, Theo suffered a perinatal stroke and spent 9 days in the intensive care ward. During the most frightening and traumatising days of our lives, the incredible staff of the NICU cared for our boy as well as us, finding us space in the family flats so we could move from postnatal and be right be his side day and night. They treated Theo’s seizures, found the cause, and brought him back to good health with his amazing consultant Mo and many nurses and specialists who treat with unrelenting compassion.

The rest of Neonatal wrapped their arms around us, providing advice from Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychological support, breastfeeding support, tongue tie assessments, as well as making us hot dinners, giving breathing space and frequent kind words and gentle care.

Since his time in NICU, Theo has managed to reverse the signs of stroke he was presenting with and is smashing through his milestones, something we never dreamed was possible when we sat next to his incubator. There is a long road ahead, and he will be monitored for at least 2 years but we have hope. More than hope, we can see a wonderful future.

We are planning to host a Teddy Bear’s Picnic in Much Wenlock (my family’s hometown) on the 30th August to raise as much funds as we can for the NICU to say thank you for caring for Theo. Details to follow, but if you can’t join us please consider donating!