The story of Jacob

Jacob

A note from his mum, Heather Tongue:

Jacob is a happy 3 year old boy who loves balls and cars. His smile lights up the room and he is generally a joy to spend time with. He lives with Mum, Dad, big brother Elliot, Nanny, Grandad and Gnasher the dog.

During Mums pregnancy with Jacob, he was diagnosed with several conditions which we were told were not always fatal. Luckily these resolved during pregnancy or the months after birth.

We started asking questions about his development or lack of progress when he was 8 months old. Initially we were told there was nothing to worry about or that it was our fault he wasn’t developing. Eventually he was seen by his consultant Paediatrician when he was 13 months old. Finally someone listened and he was diagnosed with a global developmental delay amongst other things and was referred to multiple specialitities and therapies. We worried what the future would hold for Jacob - would he have a life limiting condition? Would he say my name? Would he walk? Would he eat? Would he go to school with his brother?

Despite extensive tests, no-one so far has been able to establish a cause for Jacob’s additional needs. I find this particularly hard because it’s hard to know what is significant or what Jacob might need in the future.

So we try to focus on the now and celebrate Jacob reaching his milestones in his own time. For example, the boy who didn’t eat now loves a pizza!

I’m so proud of our baby and we are so grateful to Andrea volunteering to help raise some money for him. We hope to use the money to access equipment, assessment and therapies which are unavailable or difficult to access on the NHS. For example, now he is bigger he requires a special needs pushchair. We are on the waiting list but have been told it could be a couple of years!

Being able to access these things with Andreas help means that Jacob can receive the help when he needs it.

Thank you Andrea ❤️

A note from Andrea:

i am doing the Northumberland mini Coastal Walk Challenge on 7 June 2025, walking 15 miles.

then week commencing 7 July 2025 i will be set of from Bowness on Solway to walk the 84 miles of Hadrians Wall

my fundraising will culminate on 7 September 2025 when i will complete the Great North Run

jacob goes through life with a lovely smile on his face. I will push on with my events reminding myself of everything Jacob and his family have been through and have yet to face, and if I can help in anyway possible, I will.   Love you guys