Update: Winter on his school eye gaze.

Just a little video to show Winter at school using the school eye gaze. He absolutely loves technology and you can see how he has learned to make choices and play some games over his first year at school.

Winter makes choices with his eyes as his hand coordination is poor, he is also non verbal due to his tracheostomy and frequent need for suction. He only attends school a few days a week as it’s a 2 hour round trip to get him there, he only attends when he is well or not at appointments which can take him out of school a lot of those days. Having an eye gaze at home will mean he can play and learn many more hours of the day, when he is unwell, recovering from operations and also in half terms. We hope that eventually he will be able to communicate conversations through the device as well which will be incredible but one step at a time thank you to his teachers for the videos and helping us show you how amazing this boy is! ❤️

What has been raised so far has been amazing we thank you all so much for all of your donations and your shares to help get the go fund me to where it is now. ❤️

Update: A day in the life of Winter.

@thenervousmum

The equipment we are raising money for below will help give Winter more comfort, access to wider spectrum of learning and more interest throughout his day to day. Please continue to share Winter’s story to help him achieve his goal.

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Dear Friends, Family, and Compassionate Supporters,

My son Winter, is the very definition of a fighter. At just 5 years old, he has endured more pain, surgeries, and challenges than most of us will ever know. His life has been one of constant struggle, yet his strength, courage, and light continue to inspire everyone who has the privilege of knowing him.

Winter’s journey has been anything but easy. He was born prematurely at just 25 weeks but, against all odds, thrived as a healthy baby. But at 37 weeks old during his care in hospital a devastating incident and poor care left Winter without oxygen for over 7 minutes, causing him to have a 20 minute cardiac arrest. Leaving him with catastrophic brain stem damage. In those horrendous moments, Winter’s life was forever changed and he spent most of the first year of his life in hospital.

Winter’s brain injury has robbed him of so much, yet it has never dimmed his spirit. His daily life is filled with battles most of us cannot imagine:

• Winter cannot swallow: He is PEG fed and relies on suction machines to clear his airway more than 100 times through the day and night to prevent blockages. This constant care is exhausting but essential to keep him safe.

• He cannot blink: Winter’s eyes are painfully sensitive to light, and he requires constant care and eye drops to protect his vision and keep him comfortable.

• He lives with a Tracheostomy: His tracheostomy is life-saving but requires meticulous daily cleaning to keep his airway clear and prevent life-threatening infections.

• He battles endless infections: Winter faces frequent chest and eye infections that put an overwhelming strain on his fragile body. His lungs are deteriorating, and each infection takes him closer to his limits.

• He is non-mobile: Winter’s hypotonia leaves him unable to move on his own, requiring complete physical support from us.

In addition to his daily struggles, Winter has endured multiple surgeries, and he faces three more major operations in the coming year. He also regularly travels across the UK for appointments with specialist doctors. These trips and treatments are essential, but they take an emotional and financial toll on our family.

Winter’s life is fragile, and every moment with him is precious and we want to give him the best care possible, the comfort he deserves, and opportunities to experience joy while he is still with us, Winter now needs:

An Eye Gaze Device: To help him communicate, to learn, to access games, entertainment and express himself in ways he cannot otherwise. Winter is learning with symbols and a button device but this is limited and we do not want him to become trapped in his own body.

Other things that will benefit winter.

• Small hydrotherapy exercise Pool: To support his physical therapy and ease the tension in his muscles to reduce pain.

• Postural Seating: To ensure he is comfortable and properly supported throughout the day.

• Specialised Therapies

We are asking for your help to give Winter the care, equipment, and experiences he so desperately needs. Every donation—no matter how big or small—will go directly toward his equipment, and therapies. Your kindness will also help us create beautiful memories with Winter, giving him joy in a life that has been filled with far too much pain. Until now as a family we have always been able to provide and meet his needs but the next stage of things he needs are just excessive in price so we are asking for help from our friends and community.

If you cannot donate, please consider sharing Winter’s story with others. Raising awareness will mean the world and ensure Winter has the support he needs.

Winter’s story is one of heartbreak, but it is also one of love, courage, and hope. Despite all he has been through, Winter’s strength has never wavered. He teaches our family every day what it means to keep fighting, even in the face of unimaginable challenges. After everything he is still a happy boy and melts us with his special smile.

To our family, Winter is our hero. He is a reminder of how precious life is, how love can overcome even the darkest days, and how important it is to surround those in need with care and support.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of Winter’s journey. Your generosity, love, and compassion will help us give him the life he deserves. The life he should have had.

With endless gratitude and love from Winters family.

Follow Winter's Journey @thenervousmum