Freddie's Story

"We cannot thank The Royal London Hospital neonatal unit enough. In an effort to give back, I am participating in a long-distance triathlon to raise essential funds."

In March 2025, our lives changed forever with the arrival of our son, Freddie. Born at full term, Freddie had a rare congenital condition known as Oesophageal Atresia/Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula (OA/TOF).

This condition affects 1 in every 3,500 people, involving the oesophagus (food pipe) or trachea (airway), and it meant that Freddie’s journey would begin with a significant challenge.

Freddie spent his first 163 days in the world at The Royal London Hospital. For the first 3.5 months, he called the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) his home. It was here that we witnessed the incredible dedication and expertise of the hospital’s team of surgeons, nurses, doctors, consultants, the SALT team, physiotherapists, and many other specialists who cared for Freddie.

A Team Like No Other

The staff at The Royal London Hospital treated Freddie as if he were their own child, extending that same care to us — his parents, Elise and Lloyd — as well. We cannot thank each and every person who played a role in Freddie’s care enough. We will never forget any of them.

Freddie’s Medical Journey

Freddie underwent two major surgeries along with numerous other procedures. These surgeries were not simple, and the road to recovery has been long, but thanks to the skilled hands and kind hearts at The Royal London, Freddie continues to show remarkable resilience.

Giving Back

Our gratitude to The Royal London Hospital is immeasurable, and in an effort to give back, I have decided to participate in a long-distance triathlon this May. The challenge includes a 1500m open water swim, an 80km bike ride, and a 20km run. This event is dedicated to raising funds for Ickle Pickles, an organisation that provides essential equipment for babies and families at The Royal London.

We invite you to join us in supporting this cause. Every donation, no matter how small, will help ensure that The Royal London can continue to provide lifesaving care to babies like Freddie.

Thank you for taking the time to read Freddie’s story. We hope it inspires you as much as Freddie inspires us every day.

Donate to Lloyd’s Triathlon