Six years ago, our lives were changed forever. Thomas was born on the 2nd July 2019, via emergency c-section and for the next 6 weeks 6 days, fought with all his tiny being to survive. Spending the first 13 days at NNU TWells (who we also raise money for), where staff tried to stabilize the Congenital Hyperinsulinism he was born with, Thomas had too many other complications and was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital. Starting on Squirrel ward, Thomas unfortunately went in NICU,CICU and PICU intensive care units consecutively, due to his little body struggling. Thomas passed away on the 19th August 2019.

The cruelty of such a short life, does not however do justice to his strength and will to live, inspiring all who met him. From the moment Thomas arrived by specialist ambulance at GOSH, we knew he was in the best place. A whirlwind of staff were working around his cot, yet even in their focus on Thomas, they kept me and his mummy up to date. The team assigned to Thomas were simply amazing. Not only the world leaving level of care, but possibly more importantly, the love they all showed for my son. Six years on, it fills my heart with pride. Thomas’s nurses treated him with such tenderness, yet were always honest and upfront with us on his condition - making us feel a part of his care. Always so professional, yet with his mummy, they were like big sisters. She needed it. Not only having a c section but also a major infection, yet literally not leaving his cot until the end. They made sure she ate and slept, and had the mental fortitude to attack each day. They all came to Thomas’s funeral.

The doctors and consultants were always engaging especially Thomas’s lead consultant. I felt they loved him. As Thomas’s daddy I could not protect him and that still haunts me. Yet asking others to do what I could not, they never let him down. We celebrated like family with the surgeons when Thomas went to surgery, and it was a success, hugging each other and crying. When Thomas’s heart stopped at 4 weeks old, I was at his bed for 18 hours straight, and noticed the same consultant was working on him. She refused to leave until she knew Thomas was stable. I have so many more memories like this.

Thomas has brought the best out in our family and friends, who without, I know I would not have survived. My family pulled us through the darkness and support constantly our fundraising. My mum grows and sells plants each year, my mum in law knits blankets for newborns. My big sis did the 3 peaks, and my little sis writes poems each year, keeping his memory alive. Friends have played in a charity rugby match and one ran the 38 miles with me from GOSH to Pembury hospital, with other rugby mates joining along the way. My best friend, Luke Haines, was the crutch I leaned on. Supporting all fundraising, and me. He tragically died last year, yet his beautiful family donated funeral gifts to Thomas’s Brighter Future Fund at GOSH. His family continue to support the cause Luke helped champion. All money raised goes into the GOSH Thomas BFF to pay for accommodation for families with acute or terminally ill children. We benefitted from such a facility, allowing me to read Thomas a bed time story. They are memories I will treasure for a lifetime

When we had our beautiful little girl, GOSH was with us every step of the way, to ensure she was ok. GOSH was Thomas’s home and they, part of our family. This is why we raise money for them. Below are the 2 pictures that are etched into my mind. One of my beautiful son and the second, the illustration of just the shear level of equipment needed for one day of Thomas’s life. You cannot see him because he is beneath it all. This is why we raise money, to give children a chance. Thank you for all your donations x