Hi, my name’s Casey, and for World Down Syndrome Day (21/03/26) this year we are celebrating our little boy, Ozzie

During my pregnancy with Ozzie we faced several challenges, including cord restriction, tapering growth, and him prioritising certain organs. Because of this, he was given his eviction notice at 36 weeks.

When Ozzie was born four weeks early, we had no idea of the journey that lay ahead of us. Within seconds of his birth, he was whisked away for breathing support. Mike advocated for me and made sure I could have a quick cuddle before Ozzie was taken to NICU, where his journey truly began.

At just three days old, a consultant spoke with me and Mike to say they had noticed some soft signs of Down syndrome and asked if we would agree to genetic testing. After a long five-day wait, we received confirmation that our little Ozzie Bear has Down syndrome.

At eight days old, Ozzie underwent an ECG and heart echo, where it was confirmed he had a large complete AVSD (Atrioventricular Septal Defect) — a hole in his heart. We were told he would likely need surgery before six months old.

At four weeks old, Ozzie developed a chest infection and was hospitalised for a week, during which he had an NG tube inserted. After many appointments between Royal Stoke and Birmingham Children’s Hospital, challenge after challenge, Ozzie fought through it all with incredible strength.

At three months old, we travelled to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for his heart surgery. We arrived the day before not knowing where we would stay or how we would manage the logistics, but a wonderful nurse allowed us both to stay with him the night before surgery. After his operation, we secured parent accommodation within the hospital, and on Ozzie’s second night post-surgery we were offered a room at Ronald McDonald House Birmingham.

They gave us something priceless — a place to stay close to Ozzie while he fought so bravely. They provided comfort, support, and a sense of home when everything else felt overwhelming.

Since surgery, Ozzie is doing well, and now we feel it’s our turn to give back to the place that supported us during the most terrifying time of our lives.

So, to celebrate our little heart warrior’s first World Down Syndrome Day, we are raising money for Ronald McDonald House Birmingham.

My partner Mike, along with our sister-in-law Beki, will be running the Alton Towers 10K on Saturday 14th November, and Mike’s brother Richard will be taking on the Alton Towers Half Marathon on Sunday 15th November — all in honour of Ozzie

It costs Ronald McDonald £35 per night per family to accommodate them in their house to be able to be close to their children and the hospital in times of need.

We stayed with them for 10 nights while Ozzie was recovering ❤️‍ 

Thank you for supporting our amazing boy and helping other families stay close to their children when they need it most.