As a team, we are taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for Shine, a charity that provides specialist advice and support for people affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus. We are doing this in support of our valued team member Lucy and her family, who have faced an incredibly challenging few years. Lucy shares her story below:

In January 2024, just before his second birthday, my son Joey was diagnosed with a tumour in his spinal cord. This affected his mobility, and he is only just starting to make his first steps at four years old. He underwent a 10-hour surgery to reduce the size of the tumour and has been on weekly chemotherapy for two years to help manage its growth.

In September 2024, Joey became critically unwell and was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus, a complication caused by the tumour. Hydrocephalus is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain’s ventricles, causing increased pressure and potential brain damage. If left untreated, it can be fatal. Joey had emergency surgery in the middle of the night to remove some of the fluid, and a shunt was inserted to drain it away and manage the condition. The operation was a success and he bounced back really well. However, we have to monitor Joey carefully for any changes that may indicate his shunt is not working, in which case we would need to take him to hospital. In October 2025, he had to have the shunt removed and replaced due to an infection, which highlighted just how much this is an ongoing condition that we need to manage.

Shine is a charity that has supported us since Joey was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus. It is the UK’s leading charity supporting people affected by spina bifida, hydrocephalus and related complex conditions that affect the brain and spine, and which can cause physical and cognitive disabilities.

While we were in hospital, we were given booklets produced by Shine which explained the condition, as well as a book aimed at children to help us explain what it all means. They then followed up with a lengthy call where all of my concerns were listened to, and they explained what support would be available both now and as Joey grows up. We now have our own support worker who we can speak to with any concerns.

Joey will start school in September, and Shine provided a Zoom meeting where they talked through the things we should consider when choosing a school and ensuring it could support his needs. Once he starts school, they will also provide Zoom training to staff so they know the signs to look out for should there be an issue with his shunt.

Joey is doing so well and constantly amazes us with his determination not to let his physical limitations hold him back. However, there are some effects that may not become apparent until he gets older, and I know Shine will be there to support us whenever we may need them.

I am so grateful to the team for taking on this challenge to support a charity that has helped my family so much. Thank you so much for any donations.