Tiny 10-day-old Teddy fights for life as family raises thousands for hospital ‘lifeline’
Teddy’s family didn’t even have time for a family photo before they were thrust into “the worst time of their lives”
A family had just five days to enjoy life with their newborn baby before they were plunged into a nightmare, as their little boy fights for his life in hospital.
Teddy Norman was admitted to Sheffield Children’s Hospital on Friday, October 16, after becoming seriously ill with sepsis and meningitis/meningoencephalitis.
Born just five days earlier, on October 11, Teddy was only beginning his life when his family were faced with the terrifying possibility they could lose him.
Doctors warned over the weekend that the tiny baby might not survive, leaving his parents facing one of the most frightening experiences - before they had even had a chance for a family photo.
Teddy has suffered seizures and needed intensive medical care, including the support of a ventilator to help him breathe.
His aunt, Samantha Norman, said the family had been told there was a possibility he might not pull through.
She said: “It has been one of the worst times of their lives.”
But after days of fear and uncertainty, Teddy has begun to show encouraging signs of recovery.
The newborn has now come off his ventilator and is breathing on his own, although his family are still waiting for test results to understand what his long-term diagnosis might be.
As they continue to spend their days and nights at his bedside, Samantha and Teddy’s mother, Ellie-Mae Norman, have launched a fundraiser to thank the hospital staff who have cared for him.
They initially hoped to raise £600 to fund a snowflake bearing Teddy’s name as part of Sheffield Children’s Hospital’s Christmas appeal.
The response was far greater than they had imagined, with the fundraiser passing its original target in less than 12 hours after launching at around 8pm on Sunday.
The donations soon reached enough to fund a larger snowflake costing £1,250, and the family are now hoping to raise even more to give back to the hospital and the charities supporting families during their children's treatment.
Samantha said: “Initially, me and Ellie decided to do it because the Children’s Hospital has done so much for Teddy - and obviously kept him alive - because at one point they actually said he might not live.”
The family, who live in the Barnsley area, have also been supported by The Sick Children’s Trust, which has provided them with free accommodation close to the hospital.
With relatives taking it in turns to stay beside Teddy, the room has given them somewhere to sleep, shower, wash clothes and prepare food during an exhausting and emotional time.
Samantha said: “We’re literally living off a couple of hours’ sleep each per night.
“It definitely has been a lifeline, because if it weren’t there, I don’t know what we would have done.”
Samantha said the hospital’s doctors, nurses and consultants had all been “absolutely fantastic” throughout the ordeal.
The family are hoping the fundraiser will be a lasting thank you to the people who have helped Teddy through the first, frightening days of his life.
To contribute, follow this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/raise-money-for-teddy-a-star-at-sheffield-childrens-hospita