Eli was born in Florida, after a long journey of surrogacy thanks to the generosity and goodwill of his surrogate mom, Leslie. At 8 pounds 10 ounces, 21.5 inches, our little boy showed nothing but great health and vitality.

Sadly, at the age of Three months Eli was hospitalised with severe Meningitis. After four weeks of hell in the paediatric Intensive Care Unit, with Eli connected to life support machines and hanging in the balance, our brave little boy performed a big miracle and started coming back to us. 

This was the beginning of a new journey. The Meningitis has left Eli with severe brain injury; his hearing was badly damaged, his vision was impaired; he suffered motor problems and daily seizures. But despite all of this, Eli was a great little boy who hardly ever complained and always brought immense joy to our lives.

A few months after Eli's third birthday he joined Greenmead school and it quickly became obvious he just LOVES going to school :) The team at Greenmead did their utmost to find what Eli loves doing, what he is good at and what needs work and encouragement. They made sure Eli is always busy doing fun activities and that he is engaged with his surroundings, happy and content. With the help of his intervener, Marianne, Eli could taste, feel, touch, smell and experience the world.

Through the Friends Of Greenmead (FOG), the pupils at Greenmead have access to a range of facilities which would not otherwise be available such as music therapy, soft seating systems and more. 

FOG receive no statutory funding, and rely entirely on donations which helps them to continue supporting many other families like ours.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.