Tyler’s story

Tyler was born premature at just 29 weeks and has a life-limiting condition. Here is his story…

Tyler was born premature at just 29 weeks and has a life-limiting condition. Here is his story…

Tyler with his dad Simon, at the 2014 Brighton Half MarathonTyler was born almost three months premature, whereupon he was rushed to the Trevor Mann Baby Unit (TMBU) in Brighton and put in an incubator to keep his tiny body warm. His mum Katie was unable to hold her new-born baby until he was eight weeks old.

Together with her Tyler’s dad Simon, they spent their first Christmas as a family in the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital (the Alex) in Brighton and, although it was not quite home, the staff and especially a visit from Santa, and presents from Rockinghorse, helped to make it a magical day nonetheless.

At 15 months old, Tyler was discharged and allowed to go home for the first time. He has a life-limiting condition which means that every day is an extraordinary achievement for him, but Tyler’s a fighter and has overcome the odds countless times already. Without the specialist equipment in the TMBU, Tyler simply would not be here. Katie, Tyler and Simon take one day at a time and cherish every moment together as a family.

Every year many children in Sussex spend time in hospital. Here at Rockinghorse we strive to ensure these youngsters receive the very best care possible from their very start in life.