Southsea fun day marks a year since boy who nearly died released from hospital

Jordan and Jess Baines were left devastated when their son Fox suffered a stroke after being infected by mycobacterium tuberculosis which led to him suffering an “extremely rare” form of meningitis.

As a consequence, Fox suffered a slow progressing stroke causing him to lose his left side and have seizures. He also now has a lifelong brain condition, known as hydrocephalus, and needed brain surgery to drain excess spinal fluid safely into his stomach.

Fox’s ordeal, which began in May last year when he became unwell, left him needing intensive rehabilitation for his speech and physical difficulties. To help his recovery, Jordan and Jess have raised over £4,000 for equipment that will enhance his life.

To show their appreciation Fox’s parents have been fundraising for charities that played a crucial part in saving his life and those which supported the family through their darkest hour.

They are Friends of PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit Southampton Children's Hospital), which Jordan said of: “Words cannot express how we feel for this charity. Without them Fox wouldn't have been here, it's as simple as that.”

Ronald McDonald House became a “home away from home” where they slept for five months free of charge, with Jordan saying their “support and compassion allowed our family to be close to Fox everyday”.

Sophie's Legacy offered invaluable support for all the family, especially the couple’s three other “scared” children who needed numerous trips to Queen Alexandra Hospital for weekly blood tests and various monitoring after the illness Fox had “ripped through” the family. Meanwhile, The Child Brain Injury Trust offered expert help and support.

Jordan said: “We’re here to celebrate our son Fox with it a year ago he was discharged from Southampton hospital. He was in hospital for a total of five months. The doctors and nurses made him better and the four charities that supported us throughout our whole journey.

"We have Ronald McDonald house which allowed us to stay for the whole five months and be close to Fox. They helped us with lots of legal information and support for Fox’s brain injury so that’s why we’re raising money.”

The family fun day on Saturday at the Havelock Community Centre in Southsea had stalls and representatives from all the charities along with a host of activities.

The event included a bouncy castle, ball pit, second-hand shop, face painting, temporary tattoos, crafts, comic book workshop, lucky dip game, summer fete style games, cupcakes, refreshments, charity stalls, music, and a mega awesome raffle supported by local artists and businesses.

See pictures below from the event