A BABY boy born prematurely who will celebrate his second birthday next week, and who “nearly didn’t survive”, is to be an ambassador for a series of events on Anglesey next year.
Julia Roberts gave birth to Theo at Wrexham Maelor Hospital on July 24, 2022 – 27 weeks into her pregnancy.
Theo was not discharged until two months later, having been transferred to numerous hospitals and developing sepsis and two inguinal hernias in the intervening period.
Having previously had his story told through a campaign by discount retailer B&M, and manufacturing company Procter & Gamble, Theo will be an ambassador for the 2025 Anglesey Half Marathon, Tour de Môn and Anglesey Trail Half Marathon events.
Julia said: “Theo has come such a long way since he was born. He nearly didn't survive - he caught sepsis (shortly after his birth) and was on a ventilator for over a week.
“Theo was responding well to the treatment and pulled through, and has had a few operations for his inguinal hernias.
“He had two heart murmurs (one of which is still partially open), and had to be sent home on oxygen for 12 months as he has chronic lung disease.
“He now has a bone conduction hearing aid, as he has mild hearing loss in both ears.”
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Next Wednesday (July 24), Theo, who has five brothers, will be celebrating his second birthday with his family in Rhyl, meanwhile.
He will get to attend the Anglesey events which will be an ambassador for, and will also have his story told through them.
Julia added: “He’s come so far in two years.
“When he was born, he looked OK, but after he got transferred to Arrowe Park Hospital (in Birkenhead, Wirral), I could see a deterioration in him.
“His tummy didn’t look right, and I really did think then that he wouldn’t survive.
“He’s such a strong little boy. He’s amazing, and is always smiling at everybody. Nothing fazes him at all. He’s doing really well now, and is starting to say a few words."
Julia said Theo now only has to attend hospital as and when paediatricians need to see him, which is usually once every three to six months.
As well as his hearing aids, he also uses an inhaler to help his breathing, which has been affected by his chronic lung disease.
Julia added: “He’s more confident now - he’s climbing off everything now, like a normal baby!”
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