Finlay was born on 14th November 2014 at 34+1 weeks gestation via emergency C-section, as he had stopped moving. He required resuscitation for 12 minutes, suffering from hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) grade 3, and then spent 3½ weeks in the NICU at QA before being discharged with severe brain damage that occurred prior to birth. He was later diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy at about 1 year old.

Finlay was orally fed for the first three months of his life, but his reflux became so severe that he required an NG tube for feeding. He then had an operation for a gastrostomy, allowing him to be fed directly through a tube into his stomach.

He also has severe microcephaly, severe developmental delay, laryngomalacia, and has suffered from episodes of status dystonicus.

He’s a tough cookie who has endured many hospital admissions and surgeries in his short life. Despite all of this, he continues to beam the brightest smile, lighting up any room and everyone in it. His infectious smile, cheeky personality, and charming charisma brighten anyone’s day.

We have done a couple of fundraisers for specialist equipment not available through the NHS. As Finlay continues to grow, we recognize this as an ongoing need that will be required throughout his life. By setting up this page through Tree of Hope, we will be able to continue raising funds for future needs, including specialist equipment and services not readily available through the NHS.

Thank you for taking the time to read the story of our remarkable boy, Finlay. We are also deeply grateful to those who have already donated and continue to support us as a family, ensuring that Finlay’s inclusiveness is never compromised.

Tree of Hope will securely hold the funds until they are needed for Finlay’s care.

7.5% of all donations to Tree of Hope in relation to this appeal will be allocated to the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope to cover core operating costs.

If we raise insufficient funds or surplus funds, they will be used, if appropriate, to support our child’s needs in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objectives. If we are unable to use all or part of the funds for the benefit of our child, any unused funds will be transferred to support the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope.

If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to call the family support team on 01892 535525.

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