Former Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers' ex-girlfriend Talia Oatway has thanked fans for their amazing support as she shared a sweet video of her son Oakley.
The mum-of-four opened up about the "toughest seven months of my entire life" on Saturday as she shared for the first time that Oakley was born with Apart Syndrome. As reported by the Mirror, the 31-year-old posted picture of her son, praising his bravery and determination.
Apert Syndrome is a rare genetic syndrome, "caused by a mutation on a specific gene" and affects the skull, face, hands and feet, according to Great Ormond Street Hospital. Talia has since thanked supporters for their kind messages, sharing a selfie and writing on Instagram: "Just want to thank every single person who has given my son support over the past few days.
"The messages and comments have been amazing. I would love to use my Instagram to spread awareness for apert syndrome and other medical families."
The mum split with Aaron in December and shares three children with him. She said she intends to fundraise for the hospital ward Oakley is staying in. Talia shared a lovely video of herself playing peek-a-boo with Oakley in the hospital yesterday and shared the link to the gofundme page.
She wrote: "Guys I just want to say a massive thank you for every single person who has donated or shared the go fund link! It means the world to me and the kids."
Talia has raised more than £8,000 for the hospital after just one day. Until this month, Talia had kept her son's image and condition private - but last week she shared photos of Oakley sleeping and smiling in his hospital cot, and herself holding him.
She wrote: "This is OAKLEY. It has been the toughest 7 months of my entire life. I have been thrown into a medical world, with no forewarning, no time to prepare. Only now I feel like I’m coming to terms everything, finally coping with how I’m feeling, embracing our new normal.
"This is my beautiful son Oakley Bleu, he was born with a rare genetic syndrome called Apert Syndrome."
After describing Apert Syndrome, Talia went on: "Oakley has a long road ahead, this is a lifelong journey and it isn’t going to be easy. But my boy, you have shown me how strong you are! You are brave and determined and I love you more than you’ll ever know. I hope that by sharing our journey I can raise awareness and support other medical families," Talia wrote followed by a red heart emoji.
Talia then gushed over her son as she said: "I'm so proud of this boy, he has shown me nothing in this world matters but health and love. It has taken me a long time to get where I am but finally I’m starting to feel happy again.
"Son, you have two amazing brothers and an amazing big sister behind you. We have absolutely everything we need. Let’s do this"
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