On 5th October, we lost our darling boy Luca at 16 weeks pregnant. He had been diagnosed with Spina Bifida 4 days prior. Diagnosis of this condition is rarely picked up before 20 weeks and in some cases, isn’t picked up at all until after birth.

In Luca’s case, concerns were raised during our gender scan at 15 weeks. A referral was made to Rotherham Hospital for a more detailed scan. We were then referred on to Fetal Medicine at Sheffield Hallamshire Hospital. This is where our consultant confirmed what the gender scan had feared, our darling boy had closed Spina Bifida with multiple issues involving his skull, cerebellum, spine and both feet.

Sam and a group of our friends are doing Tough Mudder in July 2026 to raise money for Shine - a charity supporting those with Spina Bifida and their families and to also raise awareness of this lifelong, often debilitating condition which unfortunately has no cure.

Shine is committed to improving the lives of people affected by the disabilities spina bifida and hydrocephalus. People affected by these disabilities face a lifetime of health, mobility, social, and learning difficulties. Shine provides lifelong support, including advice, practical help, and the opportunity to be part of a national community for all those affected by these conditions.