Jude’s Journey.

A climb in remembrance of Jude Robson Abbey. Late son of Tia Thornhill and Scott Abbey.

Tia’s friends and colleagues from the mental health team wanted to show support to Tia, Scott and their loved ones at this difficult time. We have agreed, with Tia’s blessing, to hold a fundraising event in Jude’s memory.

So, the challenge is set and on the 12th October 2024 we will attempt to climb Helvellyn in the Lake District. We will be lovingly joined by Jude’s family and other climbers who wish to support this cause.

Helvellyn is the third highest mountain in England after Scafell Pike and Scafell. The highest peak is 950 metres (3117 ft).

We would like to include some words from Tia. Please be aware that the following includes details of child loss.

All donations will go to The Sick Childrens Trust. This is a charity that provides a ‘Home from Home’ for the parents of sick children. When a child suddenly becomes ill, there’s no time to plan. This charity supports families by giving them a place to stay, free of charge just minutes away from their child’s bedside.

Unfortunately, Jude did not have a bedside, as he was rushed to Newcastle Freeman Hospital for a lifesaving procedure, which was unsuccessful. Jude passed away quickly after his admission to the children's intensive heart unit.

The staff described Jude's condition as very quick and traumatic. Despite this, Tia and Scott were provided with accommodation until they could bring their baby boy home.

What happened to Jude? I’m sure you’re sadly wondering…

Jude Robson Abbey, born healthy weighing 6lbs 7oz on the 23/03/24. Jude presented as any normal healthy baby. Passing his newborn health checks, taking well to his milk, maintaining a healthy sleep pattern, and gaining weight. He was absolutely thriving in his new life. Suddenly, Jude fell critically ill at the age of 10 days old. He fought hard for 21 hours however passed away 14 minutes before he would have turned 11 days old.

Professionals later discovered, Jude's cause of death was Group B strep (streptococcus), which violently attacked all of his organs. Group B strep is a bacterium that can cause serious infections in babies, especially those under three months old. Approximately 5% of babies (1 in 20 babies) who develop late onset GBS infection will die as a result.

The aim of this event is to not only raise donations for a fantastic charity, but to share Jude's story for awareness to all families and friends with newborns. The NHS no longer test mothers and newborns for this infection. However, there are ongoing studies and research in relation to reintroducing routine testing.

If this event prompts the conversation for one lady in her maternity care, then it has served good purpose.

https://www.groupbstrepinternational.org/late-onset-gbs-disease.html#.

Thank you for reading and take care.

Jude's mammy,

Tia.

Any donations would be greatly appreciated. We understand however, that times are hard at the moment. If you are not able to donate to the fund raiser, we would love you to share our challenge and Jude’s story so we can raise funds and awareness.

Thank you for reading,

Jude’s climbing crew