Child’s Journey from Hospital Care to Halloween Toddle

September 16, 2026 Off By

Early Diagnosis and Specialist Treatment for Ronnie

Nicola and her family faced an unexpected challenge when prenatal scans revealed fluid on her unborn son Ronnie’s kidneys. This finding led to a referral to Leeds for specialist care. Ronnie was born prematurely, five weeks early, on 29 December at Airedale Hospital. Shortly after birth, concerns about a urinary blockage prompted his transfer to Leeds Children’s Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

Medical Condition and Ongoing Care

At Leeds Children’s Hospital, Ronnie was diagnosed with Grade 5 bilateral vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), the most severe form of this condition. VUR causes urine to flow backward from the bladder towards the kidneys, increasing the risk of infections and potential kidney damage. In addition, Ronnie has a trabeculated bladder with diverticulum, a structural abnormality affecting bladder function.

Due to his condition, Ronnie cannot fully empty his bladder and requires catheterisation every three hours to manage urine flow and reduce infection risk. His care involves specialist nephrology and urology teams at Leeds, who provide ongoing monitoring and treatment to support his health and development.

Impact on Family and Awareness

Nicola has spoken about the experience of having a child with complex medical needs, highlighting how it has changed her perspective on hospital care for children. The family’s journey underscores the importance of specialist paediatric services and early intervention for congenital urinary tract conditions.

Community Support and Events

Ronnie’s story was shared in connection with a local Halloween Toddle event, which aims to raise awareness and support for children requiring hospital care. Such events help bring communities together to support families facing similar challenges.