Project 35

The initial treatment, non surgical casting from the waist down, did not work, and we were quickly upgraded to the wonderful team at Bristol Children’s Hospital. Our wonderful consultant Mr Thomas performed the surgery, and William and I remained in hospital for about four days. He continued to wear a cast for a further few weeks. It was undoubtedly a challenging time (at only one year old we were still negotiating high chairs, pushchairs, nappies and car seats!) but we actually came away from it extremely grateful that it wasn’t anything more serious. There are some incredibly unwell, and seriously brave, children being treated in that hospital.

William last saw Mr Thomas earlier this year. He will have one more check-up before being “released into the wild” as a 5’10” (and growing) teenager who loves rugby, cycling, running and swimming. Without the intervention of the NHS at this wonderful hospital, he would be walking with a limp and looking forward to chronic arthritis by the age of 30. William will show his appreciation by joining in on the endurance ride, hopping on to the Second Bike. We remain grateful every day for the incredible work of the staff at the hospital.

Although I knew the surgery was necessary, I found it incredibly distressing. As a grandparent, it was difficult to see his beautiful little face change, and I worried about how different he might look afterwards. The care Rowan received after his surgery was amazing. He was treated with such kindness, patience and tenderness, and I will always be grateful to everyone who looked after him. Rowan went on to have two further surgeries to repair his palate. Each operation brought its own worries and challenges, but throughout it all, the wonderful team continued to care for him and support my family. Now, at six years old, Rowan is a happy, confident little boy with a personality as big as his smile. And what a smile it is – a great big, beautiful, perfect smile that lights up his whole face. Looking back those early days were incredibly difficult, but I feel so lucky that Rowan had such wonderful people around him. I will always be grateful to the Bristol team for the skill, care and compassion they showed my precious grandson.