Following a healthy pregnancy and 10 days after his due date, Freddie was born on 29th August 2015. The last few minutes before he was welcomed into the world turned from excitement and calm to fear, terror, and chaos. Due to a multitude of complications, Freddie’s heart stopped beating 20 minutes before he was born, leading to a fraught emergency cesarean. Freddie’s brain was starved of oxygen for a considerable amount of time, and his lungs were filled with meconium. Freddie's parents, Sarah and Paul, were told to prepare for the worst, as it was unlikely he would survive the next few hours.

A few hours later, Freddie fought and fought. A decision was made to transfer him to another hospital a few miles away, where he could receive cooling treatment for his brain. The treatment couldn’t cure any of the damage that had already been done, but it could prevent it from getting worse. Just 7 hours after being born, Freddie and his family found themselves at St Peter's Hospital in Surrey. The treatment started immediately, but again, they were told to prepare for the worst: Freddie might not survive the night.

Freddie defied the odds. He survived the night and the weeks in the hospital that followed. He surprised everyone and grew stronger every day. He proved everyone wrong. But at just 6 days old, he had his first MRI scan, and the news that followed was crushing for Freddie and his family. The scan results showed severe brain damage, and he was diagnosed with Grade 3 Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy, which would cause him to develop severe bilateral dystonic cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy affects each person differently. It can impact muscle control, coordination, tone, reflexes, posture, balance, speech, and so many other things we take for granted and do without a second thought. In Freddie's case, it means his head and core are very floppy, while his arms and legs are very stiff. He also has dystonia, which causes uncontrollable muscle spasms. The condition currently prevents him from using his hands properly, chewing food, sitting up unaided, speaking, and much more. But it’s not all impossible. He can smile, laugh, watch TV, and splash around in the bath and swimming pools.

Over the past 8 years, Freddie has proven many doctors wrong. He came off his feeding tube and learned to suck. He loves yoghurts. However, he still cannot chew safely, and sometimes the muscle spasms cause him to choke, making swallowing difficult. Recently, he was fitted with a feeding tube into his stomach so his family can ensure he receives more fluids, feeds, and extra nutrients when needed. He has weekly physiotherapy to work on rolling over, building his core strength, and relaxing his muscles. What Freddie will be able to do in the future remains unknown; only time will tell.

While Freddie and his family are extremely thankful for the NHS—without them, he might not be here—there is only so much support and therapy they can provide. To improve and have a chance of walking, talking, and doing many of the simplest things, Freddie needs countless therapies, equipment, and support. The NHS provides one hour of physiotherapy every fortnight, but to make progress, he needs so much more. Freddie's family has researched, fundraised, and joined support groups, desperate for answers on the best treatments and equipment. In March and October 2019, they took Freddie to the NAPA Center in the USA, where he received intensive, highly specialized therapy. Soon, the center will be coming to the UK. The results were amazing, and Freddie loved it there. He broke through all the boundaries they set.

With the right therapy and the best equipment, Freddie will continue to prove the doctors wrong. He will hopefully be able to accomplish amazing things, just as he already has, and live a good quality of life. However, all of these treatments come at a high cost, and they will become even more vital as Freddie grows older. As a result, Freddie’s family has no choice but to fundraise to give him every fighting chance and the best care he deserves. There have been marathons, treks, raffles, MMA fights, pool knockouts, skydives, fancy dress events, and a fundraising ball in February 2020, just before the world changed with COVID-19! Hundreds of people have donated, supported, and shared posts. Family members have shed blood, sweat, and tears; friends have endured sore, bruised, and blistered feet; and colleagues have thrown themselves into action without anyone asking.

No one in Freddie's family expected this 8 years ago. No one even knew what HIE was. But the past 8 years have opened up a whole new world for them. Through continued fundraising, they will ensure that Freddie gets the best possible care, and this fighter receives every bit of support he deserves.

Thank you for reading all about Freddie.

For the latest updates on Freddie, visit his Instagram @freddiesstory or head to www.freddiesstory.com.

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 our core operating costs.

If we raise insufficient funds, or surplus funds, then the funds will be used, if appropriate, to fund support for our child’s needs in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objects. If in those circumstances we are unable to use all or part of the funds for the benefit of our child in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objectives, then any funds that cannot be used will be transferred to be used for the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope.