Hello, my name is Charlie, and I am asking for help for my beautiful daughter, Aubrey.

Aubrey was born at 37 weeks weighing just 4lb 15oz. At only one week old, she contracted meningitis and became critically unwell. Thankfully she recovered pretty well, but shortly after we learned she had moderate hearing loss in both ears and was fitted with hearing aids at just 4 weeks old.

The meningitis also temporarily affected her thyroid, causing repeated episodes of hypothermia and constant hospital admissions. She was later diagnosed with a cow’s milk allergy and severe reflux (GERD), alongside ongoing feeding difficulties. From the very beginning, Aubrey has never shown hunger cues. She would refuse feeds, even going long periods without showing signs of hunger.

This year alone we have faced multiple hospital admissions. Aubrey has suffered prolonged sickness bugs, dangerously low blood sugar levels (as low as 1.2), high ketones, infections, and significant weight loss. On more than one occasion she became critically unwell and required emergency treatment.

Earlier this year, after repeated admissions and her oral intake dropping dangerously low, Aubrey had to be fitted with a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube to keep her safe. It was one of the hardest moments of our lives.

Since being tube fed at home, Aubrey has absolutely thrived. She has energy, she is happy, she is gaining weight, and she has even gone up a clothing size. For the first time, we can see how well she can grow when she receives enough nutrition.

However, despite support from dietitians and speech and language therapists, Aubrey still has a deep fear and avoidance around eating. I truly believe her early trauma, repeated vomiting, and hospital experiences have created a negative association with food.

I have found a specialist private feeding therapist in London who I believe could finally give Aubrey the support she desperately needs.

The costs are as follows:

• Initial feeding evaluation: £310

• Therapy sessions: £125 per 1-hour session

• Weekly travel to London: a 3-hour round trip drive (without traffic)

• Ongoing fuel costs

• Parking and travel expenses

• Time away from home

We are hoping to commit to a few months of weekly therapy to give Aubrey the best possible chance of learning to eat confidently and safely, and hopefully one day no longer rely on her NG tube.

Due to Aubrey’s complex health needs, I had to leave my job and we are currently living on my husband’s single income. As much as we want this for her, the financial strain of therapy and weekly travel is simply beyond what we can manage alone.

As a mum, my heart just aches to help her. I just want to see my daughter happy, healthy, and able to enjoy food without fear.

If you are able to donate or share our story, it would mean more than we can ever say. Thank you for taking the time to read about our brave little girl.