Our Story

Oliver Jude was born in York on the 7th of June, 2007. Up until he was 7, Ollie was a typical boy - funny, cheeky, witty, and always getting up to no good with his big sister, Claudia. We enjoyed simple things: trips to the park, baking, swimming, and lovely holidays in Cornwall. These were our golden years.

In 2015, our world was shattered when Ollie was diagnosed with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a rare genetic condition. He underwent intensive treatment, including a bone marrow transplant, and faced countless battles in the hospital. Claudia, a perfect match, donated her bone marrow, saving her brother’s life. The treatment was gruelling, but Ollie’s courage shone through. After nearly two years in hospital, we brought home a very changed Ollie, who needed 24/7 care. We adapted our lives to ensure he was happy and safe. These were our golden years, part two.

Ollie passed away suddenly on April 15th this year. While the pain of his absence is immense, we are comforted by the fact that he had a very happy nine years surrounded by love.

Why We Need Your Help

Our lives have revolved around Ollie for the past nine years. Now, we are trying to navigate the immense void left by his passing. Claudia, now 19, has sacrificed so much to support her brother and missed many typical milestones. Living in a small village with poor public transport hampers her ability to explore new opportunities, make new friends, and find her path.

We want to support Claudia in becoming mobile and independent, giving her the freedom she deserves after all she has given up. Additionally, as a family, we are exhausted and in need of time to heal and reconnect. We have not had a holiday in nine years and dream of planning a trip to help us rejuvenate and rebuild.

How You Can Help

Your donations will go towards:

Your support means the world to us. By contributing, you are helping our family find a new way forward, honouring Ollie’s memory and the love that kept us strong. Thank you for being part of our journey.