Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

* UPDATE* 27/01/2010 - Thank you to everyone for there kind donations and to everyone who has spread the word and helped to raise awareness! We honestly can't believe the response. I managed to reach my target on the first day with "SHAVE IT" just coming out on top so as soon as Jude the Dude is home the tramp beard will go. However I know a load of people who wanted to help out and donate haven't yet and it would be nice to see if we can double it maybe even treble our expectations, so here's what I've thought up - as I will be shaving my beard and hair I will continue with the hair removal theme! If I reach £1000 I will get my chest waxed, £1500 means a back, sack and crack and if we can go a little further £2000 will mean legs waxed too!

I've added more photo's too - my favourite is Jude's Usain Bolt celebration at the news he may be home soon!*

 

As most of you will be aware our first baby, Jude James Heslop, was born on 29/12/09. He was born via emergency c-section and lots of drama. We thought that was that and he'd given us a scare but little did we know that Jude woulod soon be giving us more sleepless nights, grey hairs and oceans of tears.

After only 5 days at home Jude become unwell, the first sign was him not feeding but soon detirated and by 2.30am on Thursday 7th Jan we were at childrens A&E. He was soon rushed into resus and then to intensive care(PICU). We soon found out that Jude had contracted Group B strep which had caused meningitis and brain damage.

Group B strep is the biggest killer in new born babies and most NHS trusts don't test or inform expecting mothers of this deadly disease. Jude has now been in hospital for 2 weeks with the first 7 days in PICU. No one can tell us the affects of the brain damage only that it appears severe on the scan. We will need to be strong and take each day as it comes. We have had tremendous support from our family and friends as well as the Group B strep support Group.

With this in mind I have decided to raise some money for this great charity. In the first few days of Jude being in hospital I made a flippant comment regarding not shaving until my little superstar was home. The ones of you that have seen me will know that I've stuck to my word. With this in mind i thought i might as well use my silly and scruffy appearance to raise money.

The idea is simple, I've set my target at £500. Any donation will be very very much appreciated, all i ask is that when you donate you add "SHAVE IT" or "KEEP IT" in the comments box. Once my target is reached i will add up the votes. If there is more "SHAVE IT" - i will shave my beard and hair. If "KEEP IT" comes out on top I will not shave for a further 40 days.

The idea is to circulate this to anyone and everyone not only to raise the money but to raise awareness of this heartbreaking disease. No one should have to experience and deal with the grief and anguish as we have so please please forward on and if you can please donate to this great cause.

Thank you in advance for your continued support.

 

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