William entered the world in January 2025 and from the outset he appeared very quiet and struggled to feed but he was our first child so we didn't really know what to expect. As time went on his movement decreased and eventually his arms became floppy and we ended up in A&E. After further blood tests we were given the devastating news that William had Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1, a rare genetic disease.

That began a harrowing journey involving hospitals, tests, life saving drugs and interventions. William remains on breathing support at night, NG tube to feed and cough assist to clear mucus from his lungs. He has specialist equipment for sitting, standing and helping with neck control. The long term prognosis is bleak as he will not walk, likely will always need support to sit and hold his head and it is unknown if he will ever talk or feed independently. Despite all this he is largely a happy little boy who makes noises to communicate and loves watching Peppa Pig.

We will never let go of the hope that he can realise his potential and enjoy and participate in activities. He is a little warrior and we will fight alongside him to give him the best chance. He will need intense physiotherapy and hydrotherapy as his limbs are badly affected and he is very delayed in his gross and fine motor skills.

We will take every opportunity to enable him to have a full life.

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.