Just4Children are fundraising for vital therapy and specialist equipment for Tate to help him reach his potential after a very hard start to his life.
Tate is 5 years old from Durham. He is our brave little boy who has been fighting for his life since the day he was born.
Born just days before the first Covid lockdown in March 2020, Tate arrived not breathing and had to be resuscitated before being taken to neonatal care. What followed were months of hospital stays, repeated respiratory infections, and terrifying moments where we didn’t know if he would survive. At just four months old, Tate underwent an emergency tracheostomy after being diagnosed with Pierre Robin Sequence, a condition that left his airway dangerously small and unable to support breathing on its own.
Tate spent five months in hospital, moving in and out of intensive care, fighting for every breath while doctors told us there were no more options. With support from Great Ormond Street Hospital and further surgery, Tate finally came home for his first Christmas — a moment we were never sure we would see.
In 2021, Tate had major jaw surgery involving metalwork and daily adjustments over five months. Against all expectations, his tracheostomy was removed, but Tate still needs a ventilator while he sleeps due to central and obstructive sleep apnoea.
By 18 months old, Tate couldn’t even hold his own head. All of his strength had gone into staying alive. While the NHS provided some support, it wasn’t enough. To give Tate a chance to grow stronger, we turned to specialist therapy.
Tate now needs weekly physiotherapy costing £75 per session and intensive therapy blocks costing up to £2,000 per week. These therapies have changed his life — Tate hasn’t had a chest infection since August 2022.
Tate also needs specialist equipment to be safe and mobile. His supportive pushchair alone cost £5,145, and these costs will only increase as he grows.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps pay for vital therapy and equipment that gives Tate the chance to thrive, not just survive. Please consider donating and helping Tate continue his fight.
Thank you for supporting Tate.
