Ewan’s Story

St Richard’s Hospital - Chichester

Ewan’s birth

Ewan experienced respiratory distress syndrome and needed lots of help and support in terms of ventilation and nutrition. Ewan was diagnosed with Diplegic Cerebral Palsy, Global Development Delay and Autism.

At the time of Ewan's birth, I was told it's going to be a question of how strong he is, as after his birth, it was a critical situation, and he was resuscitated 3 times. I had to know it could go either way, and at the time, the Doctor was preparing me for the worst outcome.

I did not tell my husband as I know he would not be able to cope with the news, so with faith knowing he was in a place of love, the dedication of the staff and the right equipment that surrounded him, we could only hope for the best outcome.

With this in mind, at the time, I wrote a prayer with faith and love that with all the care of the staff and the equipment keeping Ewan alive, he would pull through.

Life has been an adventure, and with lots of learning from supported areas, Ewan now attends college. Now at 19 years of age, he is a thriving, typical teenager, with his challenges, but with one-to-one support each day, we strive forward; it is an adventure for him and us as a family.

I have included the photos from my diary at that time, which I scribbled, including the prayer I repeated over a thousand times.”

Ewan’s big sister

Ewan’s sister, Isibeal, is embarking on a special fundraising challenge to raise £1,000 for neonatal equipment, being inspired by her brother and another special individual in her life, Elsie, who both owe their early survival and development to the equipment provided by neonatal units.

Isibeal shared her experience of becoming a big sister:

"When I found out I was going to be an older sister, I wasn't impressed. Little did I know at the age of 7 years that not only was I going to be an older sister, but I was going to start learning how to communicate with my younger brother in a different way from what some or most older siblings do.

My brother has gone from being unable to be independent and non-verbal to a striving 19-year-old who attends college weekly and is a walking, talking history book at times. It switches from one minute talking about all things Nickelodeon (Global development delay) to explaining the history of all Wightlink ferries, hovercrafts and more.

It has definitely not been an easy adventure and has extreme highs and extreme lows in many different aspects, but I couldn't be prouder of the obstacles he overcomes and the progress he is making.

The equipment and incredible knowledge, and support of the staff that supported Ewan to conquer his early stages of life were lifesaving, and this is why I think it is so important to raise awareness about Ickle Pickles.

Whether a child is born at full term or prematurely, there is always a small chance that the equipment we raise money for is needed."

Overall, Ewan and Elsie's stories are just two of thousands of stories throughout the UK and internationally where vital lifesaving equipment is needed to support babies and children to conquer their first obstacles.

Ewan and Elsie have both experienced different journeys in their life so far, but they both started off in an incubator, determined to be carried in a car seat down the corridor to start the best part of their lives from the comfort of home.

This is why Issie, with the support of her friend and family, is raising funds for Ickle Pickles — so more children and families can take their NICU babies home.

Isibeal will be splitting her fundraising efforts between the neonatal units in Southampton, Portsmouth, and Chichester. “I hope to contribute to making essential equipment accessible to all hospitals. This includes supporting children born at full term who require medical care, alongside those born prematurely.”

Please follow Issie’s journey of completing her Challenge 25 on Instagram at @ischallenge2025 and read all about Issie’s unique Challenge 25 below.

Donate to Issie’s Challenge 25