2001 saw the birth of my second little miracle, a baby girl 26 weeks premature. Weighing in at a massive 1lb 9oz (709 grams). She faced a true battle for life. After a  haemorrhage,  Chronic lung disease around 17 blood transfusions,  Severe Retinopathy of prematurity  . 0n deaths door at 3 weeks old  and 15 week hospital stay.......... The medical prognosis was that little caitie boo would be lucky to survive 5.

 we brought home a little 4lb 4oz boo boo on Christmas eve. with nothing but hope in our hearts .  On her due date Jan 5 th 2002 we were faced with the realization Stage 5  total retinal detachment in both eyes. she was rushed to Leeds for evening surgery to try and preserve any connection that may have been there. After 4 hours of  Cryotherapy and laser treatment  all attempt's had been in vain. my daughter was totally blind.

Within 6 months I could clearly see the  signs of Autism and development delays, we just took everyday as it came and hoped for a better tomorrow. Caitlan entered main stream school though started to get lost in the system by the age of 9 after a battle to get her the right environment we got a  transfer to St. Vincent's in Liverpool. Living  a hundred miles away  I then realised I would have to be strong enough to let her go residential, though by far the hardest thing I have had to do in my life, this was the best thing ever to happen to her.

The understanding from staff of our children's unique conditions and needs are second to non. All thanks to this wonderful school. St Vincents seem to be fund rasing constantly though they never ask for support for themselves, they help others less fortunate than us. I can never repay or show my gratitude enough for how there input has given caitie (now in her 4th year) a promising quality of life ahead.

 Caitlan would like to shave my head with the aid of her big sister,  and little nephew. Caitlan is also cutting her hair and both pony tails will be donated to http://www.littleprincesses.org.uk/fundraising/ so we decided to open a support page on here too. the shaving shall be recorded and released on line after the event takes place pages will be left open for donations after the event.. it should be really fun, caitie is so excited she can't wait to hold the buzzing shavers ha !

I do a lot of home crafts, my life for the last 13 years have been all about encouraging the other senses. please check out my Facebook account Crafts for Charities (https://www.facebook.com/Spe1503  ) I split profit between  https://www.justgiving.com/catholicblindinstitute and any other chosen charity by you on just giving site. payment for them will be to me and I will post donations by you on the site.

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