On 7th June 2019, my husband Tomas and I welcomed our first child into the world - a beautiful baby boy, who we later named Hudson.

Our pregnancy and birth had been straightforward, however, moments after Hudson entered the world, he was rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) as he was born blue. 

In a matter of hours after his birth, we were told that Hudson had complications with his heart and would require immediate surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital.  A few more hours later, we were told that the consultants were holding fire on that surgery.  

As the days went by, Hudson's heart stabilised and we thought we were heading closer to going home, however, complications then arose with his liver; Hudson was jaundice but not like that of a typical newborn.

At just 16 days old, we were transferred from our local hospital by the Acute Neonatal Transfer Service (ANTS) to King's College Hospital in London, where Hudson was later diagnosed with a genetic condition called Alagille Syndrome.  

After his diagnosis, we finally left our local hospital at 23 days old, with countless medication and vitamins and numerous hospital appointments lined up for the weeks and months to follow. 

Alagille Syndrome affects Hudson's heart, kidneys, liver, eyes and spine.  Whilst his heart and kidneys are currently stable and functioning well, his liver is not. We attend appointments at King's Hospital every 2-3 months and are currently uncertain as to whether Hudson will require a liver transplant.

Many people will not know that there are a huge number of different liver diseases which can affect babies, children and young people. The causes are largely unknown; many are life threatening and all require a lifetime of medical care. 

This is where the Children's Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) come in.  They are the only UK charity dedicated to supporting every family who faces the shattering diagnosis of liver disease in childhood. 

They do this by funding and supporting vital research, informing and educating healthcare professionals, parents and the public and providing children, young people and their families with tailored support services to name a few.

As first time parents to a child living with a critical illness, we cannot thank the support of CLDF enough.  From providing us with literature on Alagille Syndrome to sending us messages of support on social media or over the phone, they have been there for all of us from day one.

Hudson will spend his lifetime attending hospital appointments, taking medication and vitamins and fighting to be as healthy as he can be.  We hope, with your help, that in his lifetime, there may be a cure.

Please, if you can, sponsor my husband Tom and Dad, Ian in running the half marathon in Cambridge this March.