We would love to invite you to our ‘Little Warriors’ Charity Ball this October!✨
As most know, our little boy Rupert was diagnosed with Spina Bifida at 20 weeks, and went on to develop Hydrocephalus.
Spina Bifida: is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't develop properly in the womb, resulting in an opening in the back. This exposes the spinal cord and nerves. It can vary in severity and has three main types: spina bifida occulta, meningocele, and myelomeningocele. Myelomeningocele (MMC) is the most serious type, where the spinal cord and nerves protrude from the fetus' back.
Hydrocephalus: often called "water on the brain," is a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the cavities or ventricles of the brain, causing them to enlarge and potentially damaging brain tissue. Treatment can include having a ‘shunt’ fitted from the brain to stomach to drain the excess fluid.
During pregnancy/diagnosis, we didn’t really know what Spina Bifida was! We were put in contact with SHINE, a charity set up to help and support families with SB and hydrocephalus. They provided us with much information, support and guidance to understand the condition and what life may be like once Rupert was born.
When Rupert was born at Bristol St. Michael’s, he underwent an operation to close the open SB lesion on his back at 1 day old. We spent a lot of time in NICU at Bristol having various scans, wound care and much support. He went on to develop Hydrocephalus as the fluids built up in his head after surgery, and needed 2 further surgeries to have a shunt inserted into his brain. We again spent a lot of time at Bristol with a newborn.
This period of time for us as a family was truly scary, uncertain and worrying. Handing over your newborn for surgery never gets any easier. However, we knew we were in safe hands, trusted the experts and we honestly had the ‘best experience’ whilst in Bristol Children’s Hospital with Rupert. What they provide, not just for us, but for children with various diseases, diagnosis and disabilities is nothing short of incredible and so vital!
We feel the time is now right to give back!❤️
We would LOVE to raise as much as we can to split between both of these amazing charities. BOTH a vital lifeline, invaluable support and life-saving treatments for families like us, navigating living with a life-long disability.
Please pop either of us a message to purchase your tickets!
If you are a local business and would like to donate towards either the raffle or auction - or both, it would be hugely appreciated!
Let’s celebrate these amazing charities, have a good time and raise as much as possible to go towards helping more children and families!🫶🏻
Hannah, Alex (and Rupert!) Mortimore xxx
Evening timings:
6.30pm - arrival drinks
7pm - sit down meal
7.30pm - guest speaker
8.15pm - auction and raffle prizes
9pm - disco!
Also check out other Nonprofit events in Saltash, Parties in Saltash.
