This September, I will be running the Great North Run to raise money for Brody, via the charity Just4Children

Brody and Myles are 3 year old identical twins. Following an intense 24 days in the NICU after they were born, the twins were discharged as healthy baby boys.

However, following a turbulent 10 months in which Brody struggled to feed properly, his parents spent countless hours visiting hospitals for treatments and tests, and it was revealed that following complications at birth Brody had suffered brain damage. An MRI revealed the extent of his brain damage, the vast majority of his brain is filled with cerebral fluid. This also resulted in further diagnosis of bilateral spastic dystonic cerebral palsy and infantile spasms; and at an appointment with his ophthalmology consultant, it was explained his visual cortex was so damaged, that Brody would be registered as severely sight impaired. To help Brody with his feeding he underwent gastronomy surgery, at under 2 years old, meaning he is now fed via MicKey button straight into his stomach.

Despite being only 3 years old, Brody has already overcome so much and is the bravest little man I’ve ever had the joy of knowing. He may be non verbal but his laugh is infectious and it’s safe to say he has our whole family, and anyone else lucky enough to meet him, wrapped around his little finger! He is a fighter, who has already overcome so much is his short life, and we all want to make sure he has access to everything he needs to live the life he deserves. Hopefully after reading this you can appreciate why this is such a worthwhile cause and why it would mean so much to me and my family if you could make a donation of any kind to support Brody.

Just4Children are raising money to provide everything medical he will need in the near to distant future, to provide specialist equipment and therapy and to make adaptions to his home so Brody can live safely and comfortably as he deserves. The first goal is to raise enough for the deposit on a WAV car, although the amount is substantial, this will help Brody travel safely, and provide an accessible and private space for him as he grows and his needs change.

If you wanted to follow Brody’s story, his parents have set up pages on both Facebook and Instagram (Brody’s Journey)

Thank you for taking the time to read Brody’s story, and for any contribution you’re able to make big or small 💜