Leo is our beautiful son. He was born on 4th January 2024 with a button nose, long eyelashes and 10 tiny toes.

Leo was also born with a very rare form of mitochondrial disease, known in abbreviated terms as LBSL. We received this diagnosis in the very early days of Leo’s life, when doctors at the RVI sought to explain an unusually high lactate score on a fairly routine blood test.

His subsequent diagnosis left us feeling extremely sad and confused, not least because Leo appeared to be a healthy newborn baby. Since then, Leo has shown little progress in terms of his development and his vision remains significantly impaired.

We are therefore nervous for Leo’s future and the potentially devastating effects of this disease. We draw strength from his beautiful smiles, his incredible team of health care professionals, as well as the wonderful support of our family and friends.

While we would be grateful to receive donations at any time, it is through fundraising events and challenges that we hope to raise money. If you have your own fundraising idea, we would love to hear from you.

With love and thanks for your support

Laura and Kev