My name is Jackie Urquhart.

My story is about my son Taylor John Urquhart.

Born the 28th of January 2003 , at Forth Park Hospital in Fife , Scotland .

I have read some of the family stories before, but today the story of Glasgow born Joshua came to my attention again, and I feel compelled to tell you the wonderful success story of my son.

When Taylor was seven months old he was presenting the large forehead with visible cracks in his scull where you could see a whole network of veins. Nevertheless at about five months old he presented no visible signs whatsoever of hydrocephalus. My G.P had noticed his head at a routine appointment and sent him to see someone at the specialist baby unit at Forth Park . They gave him what looked like an ultrasound and sent us at speed to 'sick Kids' Hospital in Edinburgh . After a few nail biting days they diagnosed him as having Vein of Galen. WE WERE DEVASTATED! They introduced us to a wonderful team led by Dr. Eunson who informed us of its rarity, and what could now be done to 'cure' the condition. A few days later we were introduced to Mr. Sellars from the Western General in Edinburgh . He explained the complexity of the procedure, and left us in no doubt that this was a life threatening procedure. He informed us of the centre in Paris that had more experience, but assured us that Scotland was fast becoming a centre for treating Vein of Galen. It was a tough decision because they had only done the procedure 8 times up to that point, and only 6 of those had been successful. But we decided that they should go ahead.

On the 19th of September 2003 they operated on our son. It was the worst 5 hours of my life. But sooner than expected we got the call to say it had been a great success!

Taylor only had two feeders going into the vein, and they had successfully stopped the blood flow.

But worse was to come for me over the next two days in intensive care. Only people who have been through it could possibly know how heartbreaking it is to watch your child try to breathe again!

But he did, and three days later we were discharged.

He is now a healthy and boisterous three year old and it is hard to remember just how sick he was.

We visit Dr. Eunson every 6 months, and Taylor has an MRI scan annually. The last scan in January 2006 was good news, and Taylor is a shiny example to the team at 'Sick Kids', and Mr. Sellars.

I have been in touch throughout my ordeal with another family in Fife who's son had Vein Of Galen, and was treated in 2001.They were a great support for me , as he too is developing normally showing no signs of impairment.

I hope this has helped. Especially for anyone who has just found out that their child has this condition. I want them to know that for many children there is hope that they will go on to lead perfectly normal lives.

To Joshua's parents, he looked like a beautiful boy who I'm sure gave you great joy. You are in our prayers, and I hope that it is of some comfort to you to know that there are still children fighting this condition, and winning.    

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