Bayon’s story

Born at the Conquest Hospital, Bayon was transferred to the Trevor Mann Baby Unit for specialist treatment. Here is his story...

Together with her husband and a team of running buddies, Amy Ayling took part in the recent Tempo 10k race in sunny Eastbourne on Sunday 30 September.

Dubbed ‘Bayon’s Buddies’, Amy and the team ran in support of Rockinghorse to raise funds for the Trevor Mann Baby Unit (TMBU) – of which we are a vital supporter – where Amy’s son Bayon was treated. They have raised over £3,000 for the unit and we are so very grateful for their wonderful support. Amy has kindly shared her story with us, very cleverly written through the eyes of baby Bayon.

Here is his story…

Hi, I’m Bayon Ayling. When I was born at the Conquest Hospital in St. Leonards-on-Sea, I gave my parents a massive scare. My umbilical cord was wrapped around my neck twice – I struggled to breathe, and I felt very poorly.

I didn’t get to see my mummy until five hours after I was born and unfortunately we were told that I had probably caught group B streptococcus (GBS) which made me really sick and I wasn’t sure whether I’d ever get to meet my family.

I was transported in a spaceship (incubator) to the Trevor Mann Baby Unit (TMBU) in Brighton and later that evening my mummy joined me, which was a relief as I didn’t like being so far away from her. I was looked after by some awesome people who gave me one-to-one attention as my mummy and daddy stood by my side.

I was really chilly and hungry for three days as my body was cooled and my infection levels started to decrease. I had to have lots of tests, lumber punctures, ultrasounds, MRI scans and so many blood tests that my tiny feet were sore and covered in needle pricks.

Once I was warmed back to normal temperature I had my first cuddle with my mummy and was given some food. Because of my amazing care I soon started to feel much better. All my test results came back with good news and my infection levels decreased so much that I was allowed to go home and have as many cuddles as I wanted.

My mummy and daddy and lots of my friends ran a 10k race to raise money for the TMBU because without their care, I wouldn’t be able to tell my story today. My Uncle Lee decided to shave off his bushy beard to raise money too! He really loved his beard, so this was a big deal to him – although I’m glad it’s gone as it scared me!

Mummy and daddy also wanted to help my friends that I left behind at the TMBU and babies that need an extra helping hand at the start of their lives. I am really grateful for all the care I received and would really like to say thank you to the TMBU. By collecting as many pennies as we possibly can, we can help ensure they can save more babies lives, like they did mine, so now I can run a 10k too when I’m older!

Since my mummy created our JustGiving page, I have not stopped eating and growing! Unfortunately, my MRI scans came through with a spot of damage on my brain, so my mummy and daddy were very worried about me. However, the scan was sent off to the top specialist in London who said I should be absolutely fine, so mummy and daddy had a glass of bubbles to celebrate.

Since then we had the official report back and it informed us that I had suspected sepsis. Months later, I had a check-up with the doctor who first looked after me at the Conquest Hospital where I was born. She couldn’t believe the size of me and said I didn’t have to go back and see her again, she was a nice lady, but I am very happy not to have to see her again!

I am now able to roll, walk in my walker, army crawl backwards and mummy and daddy keep making me try yukky foods – I prefer my milk! As well as mummy, daddy and 16 family and friends running in the Tempo 10k to raise lots of pennies, more friends also made and sold cakes and pick ‘n’ mix on the day of the race and where they work.

I am so pleased that so much money has been raised (over £3,000 and counting!) for all the babies who need some extra care to be able to grow big and strong like me. A massive thank you to the TMBU.

Lots of love Bayon xXx

If you’ve experienced the work of Rockinghorse through the services and centres we support in Sussex and would like to share your own story, then we’d love to hear from you. Please call us on 01273 330044 or email our PR & Communications Manager cheryl.piper@rockinghorse.org.uk