27/08/2026
Our lovely staff member would like to share her story and raise awareness 💟
💜Craniosynostosis 💜
With September being awareness month for Craniosynostosis. Throughout the month I will be sharing a range of different facts and insights to the condition, however, I would like to share Zachary’s story to begin our month.
January 2024. At only 6 months old, we were asked if we had concerns regarding Zach’s head. We did not, however following medical advice we got him checked. Following several consultations and transfers between hospitals. Alder Hey diagnosed our little boy with Sagittal Craniosynostosis. We were given the option of surgery which basically would mean taking apart his skull and reshaping it. We were devastated to say the least! We of course could refuse but ran many risks without it. The waiting game began…
The surgery is only really possible on children older than 18 months and to reduce levels of trauma for the child, the surgeons prefer to complete it while they are still young and growing.
We got the call in December 2025. Zachary was to have surgery in the 22nd. Meaning we would be in for Christmas 😔.
Zach was put to sleep in our arms, bravely fighting against it with being so scared, causing both myself and dad to leave in tears. 8 hours later (longest 8 hours of my life might I add). Zach was out, awake and asking for mummy ❤️ I couldn’t barely keep it together seeing my little boy all bandaged up but Zach being the bravest little boy simply asked ‘I have Juice?’
Recovery time. Zach was beyond brave and did us all so proud! He took everything in his stride and loved all the attention from the nurses, sweet talking many of them into extra treats! Zach loved having his observations taken, asking about numbers and wanting to help! Frustration hit unfortunately and he pulled his bandage off 😂.
We got to see the scar for the first time. This hit hard but of course, Zach was not bothered in the slightest! We showed them to Zach and explained they are his go faster stripes! To this day Zach refers to his scar this way ❤️
Christmas morning, Zach woke to a sack of presents kindly donated by the hospital and shared his joys with the nursing team. With how well Zach had been and the impressive progress he made in healing. We were allowed to go home mid Christmas morning.
2 weeks following, we needed to clean and care for the wound, Zach got really good at telling us ‘careful my head’.
Today his scar is completely healed, mostly covered by hair and only small sections on show, however his journey is not over. He will continued to be monitored by Alder Hey until he is 15, making sure his skull fuses together properly and no swelling occurs on his brain. Zach continues to amaze us with his bravery and ability to take it all in his stride 🥰
I have shared a few pictures, including a comparison of his head shape before surgery and after as well as how he is today 🙂