Hi, I’m Teddy, a two year old little boy with Myelomeningocele Spina Bifida. This kind of Spina Bifida is the most serious type, meaning that when I was born I had a sack of fluid which came through an opening in my back resulting in my spinal cord and nerves being damaged as they were within the sack.

I was also born with Hydrocephalus which is where excess spinal fluid builds up around the ventricles of the brain. This meant that when I was 3 days old I had to have an 8 hour operation to remove the sack and close the opening in my back, this required plastic surgeons involvement as well as having a VP shunt inserted into my head to help drain and prevent the build up of spinal fluid around my brain.

Due to the Spina Bifida I also developed further conditions such as severe kidney disease, meaning a transplant in childhood is increasingly likely. I also find it difficult to gain weight therefor I had a gastrostomy (peg) fitted in order to be fed via a pump with a special formula to try and help me gain weight.

Not only that, but due to my spinal cord and nerves being damaged I have restricted bladder control meaning that I have to be catheterised intermittently throughout the day in order to try and prevent the kidneys being infected and prevent UTI’s.

Other children my age are usually walking by now, however this is something that will never be possible for me due to having no feeling / movement from my waist down.

Due to all of the above me and my family have had extended stays in Manchester children’s hospital for weeks / months at a time. Ronald McDonald House have provided us all a home away from home during these difficult times. With living an hour and a half away, my family have been able to live a 30 second walk away to be together as a family. This wouldn’t be possible without the charity.

As an independent charity, they rely on the support and generosity of volunteers, fundraisers and donors to keep thousands of families close to their sick children in hospital each year.

Due to the amazing work Ronald mcdonald house provide for many families, I am wanting to give something back to help them continue providing this level of love and commitment for families.

This Go Fund me has been set up in hope that people will donate, even if it’s the smallest of donations. During this climate, times are hard, however a little can go a long way.

The target I would like to reach is that of £5,000, as this would allow me to have a room that my family have stayed in during these times named after myself at the Ronald McDonald House. This will provide a constant reminder to other families in similar situations to mine that we are never alone.

Please if you could find it in your heart to donate, click donate or even just sharing my story to raise awareness of my condition and of the devoted work Ronald McDonald House Charity give day in day out would be greatly appreciated. They go above and beyond every single day to make sure children and families feel supported, cared for and United.

Giving something back would be our way of showing their constant commitment and hard work doesn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated.

Thank you for reading my story, lots of love Teddy x