Teddy's Story

Family 545

The advantage of being a small charity we can occasionally support children with illnesses other than cancer.

This weekend we host two more families, first we welcome Charlie and Lauren from nearby Chipping Sodbury. Charlie is a local footballer and close friend of Joe’s Hutt - The Thrift Shop who are wonderful supporters of ours. We hope they have an amazing weekend away with their children.

Here is Teddy’s story 🙏

Teddy was born in October 2022 at 29 weeks and 5 days weighing 2lb 1oz.

Although he spent nearly 10 weeks in nicu, his neonatal journey was relatively smooth. Shortly after Teddy turned 1 years old he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy affecting both legs and his right arm.

This means he has regular physiotherapy input, has had occupational therapy and requires equipment and support. He has had to learn how to reach milestones differently to most of his peers.

Teddy started to walk with a frame and progressed from this to independent walking. In 2025 he was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, following an inpatient hospital stay. He was on and off steroids for 6 months for treatment but struggled to stop them due to relapses in his condition.

To help with the nephrotic syndrome and steroid use Teddy needed 2 rounds of rituximab. His kidneys are currently behaving thanks to that treatment however the steroid use and rituximab causes immunosuppresion.

Sadly Teddy became unwell on a holiday this summer and was diagnosed with meningitis and encephalitis. After a 2 month battle in and out of hospital, lots of tests and treatment he has taken some steps back. He is now walking with a frame again, requires increased physio, more equipment and is taking some time to recover.

Teddy is such a strong and determined boy who we know will overcome the new challenges that he faces.

Although a different story to others we would like to thank the Ben Saunders foundation for our stay and really appreciate the kindness and generosity.