Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On 10th June 2020 what was supposed to be a routine MRI scan resulted in my beautiful 10 year old son Jude being admitted to the Neurology Ward 4A at Alder Hey immediately. 

I experienced every parents' worst nightmare. I was ushered into a side room by a registrar from Neurology and given the news that Jude had a 'lesion' in his cerebellum. It's very difficult to describe hearing those words.

Jude & I were taken to 4A where we were greeted by the most wonderful man, Professor Conor Mallucci, one of Alder Hey's Consultant Neurologists. We were led into a room which promptly filled with other members of staff. Conor explained what had been discovered during the scan. Shock had taken over and I couldn't digest what was happening. Tests were required the following day and Conor told me it was likely he would need to operate to reduce a build up of cerebral fluid. A tumour was causing a build up of pressure in Jude's brain.

Results from the tests were better than expected and we were sent home knowing a decision regarding surgery would be made during an MDT meeting the following Tuesday.

The teams decided Jude's brain surgery would take place on Thursday, 18th June - the day before his 11th birthday. I was terrified. 

He was admitted to the Surgical Ward at 730am that day. We had been told Jude might not be able to speak as the cerebellum, where the tumour was located, controls speech and neurologists are conducting research into why some children are affected by temporary mutism following surgery of this nature. We sat completely overwhelmed with fear in the car park until almost 4pm that day. It was the longest day of our lives. 

I collected Jude from the Recovery Suite with staff from 4A. He was awake, held out his hand and said 'Mum'. I was inconsolable, so relieved he was OK; he could speak and we were going to make sure he recovered well. The first 48 hours were worrying, as with any surgery, there are so many wires, tubes, machines beeping and I barely closed my eyes in my chair next to him.

Conor came to see us before he went home, still in his scrubs, had a chat with Jude and I told him we would be forever grateful to him and all of his team who had helped that day. He is a truly gifted and very humble man. He assured me that his staff would be taking care of Jude and gave him the thumbs up. 

Two days post surgery, Jude was adamant he wanted to get up. The Pain Management Team arrived and were delighted with his progress so his Fentanyl pain relief driver was removed, wires, tubes and machines were also taken away. Jude was delighted, he was able to take a shower and even walked from intensive care to his own room - the lure of watching the Euro's in peace clearly playing a major part in his recovery!

There were a few obstacles in the way and Jude required 2 further operations, thankfully both minor compared with the first operation. 

The tumours in Jude's brain are benign and grow on nerve endings. Every MRI scan he has builds a picture for the consultants and doctors. There have been some subtle changes, but he is receiving the very best care and we are so grateful to everybody.

Jude has received outstanding care from staff in A&E, Paediatrics, Endocrinology, Neurology, Cardiology, Radiology, Physiotherapy, Genetics, Neuropsychology, Oncology not forgetting Specialists, Anaesthetists, Phlebotomists and Recovery Staff. Jude has taken this all in his stride. He has never complained. He's had stitches without anaesthetic. He's been cannulated countless times and he's always super cool about it whereas I'm always ready to pass out!

I have wanted to do something to help Alder Hey, to give something back for all of the outstanding care, attention and support for a long time but I didn't really know what to do. The experience has been extremely traumatic and is very difficult to cope with. I have received so much support not just from family, friends, work colleagues but from Alder Hey too. We are so lucky to have the hospital so close to us and my frantic calls to 4A when on the way to A&E have always been met with a calm demeanour. The staff are outstanding. They sense my worry and calm me down at every appointment we have.

So this is it, I've signed up to participate in the Snowdon Night Summit walk to raise funds for our wonderful Children's Hospital, Alder Hey and to try to be as brave as Jude has been throughout the last 20 months.

I would like to ask for your help and support by the way of sponsorship. No amount is too small, every penny appreciated. Jude & I would be so grateful. I've never climbed Snowdon in daylight, let alone do it in the dark. You all know I'll be an emotional wreck, I've never been one to hold the tears in!

Thank you so much for helping Jude & I to raise money for the Alder Hey Children's Charity.

Lots of love, Nicola & Jude xx

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.