Cycle to help bring Arlo home.

Last May, after a text book preganacy baby Arlo was born a healthy 7lb 1oz. Unfortunately it soon became apparent that he was having breathing difficulties and after several agonising weeks he was diagnosed with a very rare lung disease (Child Interstital Lung Disease).  This means that although Arlo is perfectly formed, his lungs cannot perform unsupported and he is totally dependant on a constant oxygen supply and a myriad of high dose steroids. For all of his short life, Arlo has been living in Kings College Hospital, and we desperately need to get him back with his Mum and Dad and two big brothers. Arlo is the bravest boy we know. He is now 7 months old and has never left intensive care or been without ventilator support. He has had to have a tracheostomy, puts up with endless tests, is permanently tube fed, has his sats measured 24/7 and is on high dose steroids which leave his immune system compromised. And yet, he smiles - the most incredible smile, at nearly everyone he meets

 So… in a sea of uncertainty, scary conversations, trials and tears, we are concentrating on doing everything to give both Arlo and his 2 big brothers the best life we can.

It’s a long road ahead, but we are looking to raise money so that Arlo can come home on ventilator support as soon as is physically possible to be with his family where he belongs. Both his medical team and ourselves believe this will happen, but obviously before it does, the family home will need renovating  to provide a safe and clean environment on the ground floor - to house a bedroom, bathroom and easy access throughout to provide space for all of Arlo’s equipment and carers.  

 Please could you also share Arlo’s inspirational story and the incredible work that is conducted by the UK Child Interstitial Lung Disease Foundation. 10% of all funds raised will be donated to continue their incredible work and to find out more about them please visit www.childlungfoundation.org. For such a little known set of diseases it has a huge impact on the family and so many brave chILD children are fighting the impossible.

In order to raise money and help to bring Arlo home with the support that he needs, Marc, Andy and Dave (close friends of Arlo's Dad, Mike) will be attempting the Wattbike 82 mile challenge in February. Growing up with Mike they have  shared boyhood, batchelor days and are now proud fathers. Please please help all you can, we will be forever thankful.

Sue Stone (Marc's Mum)