Award for brave mum
A BRAVE Gomersal mum who discovered her first-born son was terminally ill while pregnant with her second child, has received an award for her courage.
Stephanie Nuttall, 29, was named the Mother and Baby's Bravest Mum 2009/2010 at an award ceremony at London's Hilton Hotel.
She and husband Stuart, 30, were overjoyed when they found out she was having their second child, but their joy turned to heartache when, 32 weeks into the pregnancy, they learned that their son, Finlay, was suffering from an incurable form of liver cancer.
The couple then took the difficult decision to allow Finlay to undergo chemotherapy to prolong his life so he could meet his new brother, Lachlan.
They first realised something was wrong when Finlay became ill and did not get better.
Doctors at St James' Hospital, Leeds, carried out tests but initially thought it was just a virus.
However as his condition did not improve, it became apparent that it was something much more serious.
"In November 2008 we found out that it was an incurable and very aggressive form of cancer," said Stephanie.
"We had a choice – either undergo chemotherapy or make him as comfortable as possible.
"We decided to opt for chemo because we wanted him to meet his brother."
Over the course of Finlay's treatment, Stephanie and Stuart, who is an A&E doctor, kept a bedside vigil at the specialist children's ward.
It was there that they were first introduced to the work of the Candlelighters charity, which supports families with terminally ill children.
"Finlay needed 24/7 care and he only wanted it from us," said Stephanie, of Rinshaw Drive.
"What we needed was the support to be able to give him the very best care – and that's where Candlelighters came in."
It was their attention to the little things – such as providing cooked meals for families – that meant the world to Stephanie and her family.
Their second son, Lachlan, was born in December 2008, giving Finlay seven precious weeks with his brother before he died shortly before his second birthday.
It was Stephanie's bravery in not crumbling under the strain of such conflicting emotional needs, and ensuring Finlay still did fun little boy things while getting to know his brother, that inspired Stuart to nominate his wife for the award.
And Stephanie has now decided to donate her 100 prize to the Candlelighters to thank them for their support.
She has also raised nearly 2,000 for the charity by completing the Race For Life and other activities.
She said: "I didn't know how much families needed support like that offered by Candlelighters, until it happened to me. Anything people can do to help, can make such a big difference."
The couple are now looking forward to the arrival of their third child later this month.
l For more information about the Candlelighters charity, visit www.candle lighters.org.uk.
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Weather for Cleckheaton
Saturday 26 May 2012
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