In October 2023 we welcomed my beautiful grand daughter Autumn, (aka ‘Jelly Bean’) into our family.

Autumn has Spina Bifida which was diagnosed by scans at 17weeks gestation.

Along with Natalie and Andrew, (Mum & Dad) she had already faced challenges before her arrival, having had intra-uterine surgery at 27weeks and being born prematurely at 33+6days.

Since the time of diagnosis the charity Shine has really been a lifeline to her parents.

Whatever challenges they face in the future Shine will continue to support them.

Natalie has written a blog, to give awareness about spina bifida, and to show that it's not all doom & gloom. As a result of spina bifida, and this blog, Natalie has made contact with many other people in the same situation. The blog goes into more detail than can be given here, including how Natalie became the 28th person in the UK who's baby was operated on (fetoscopic spina bifida repair surgery) whilst still in the womb: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552088571793

Shine provides specialist support from before birth and throughout the life of anyone living with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus, as well as to parents, families, carers and professional care staff. Shine enables people to get the best out of life.

Everything we do is made possible by our generous supporters. Your donation helps individuals and families in your local communities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Every donation has the potential for a profound impact.

THANK YOU for supporting Shine!