Phillippa and Nick kindly allowed us to share Nathanael’s story to raise awareness of medical warriors and the warning signs of medical emergencies. They are a family we lived alongside in Crawford House through some of the worst months of our lives. During those gruelling days, we were each other’s hand to hold, ear to listen, shoulder to cry on, and biggest supporters. Together, we celebrated all the "small wins"—every single gram gained, every tiny reduction of medication and medical intervention, and every step closer to the word never to be spoken: HOME.

Nathanael is currently living with a stoma, so this felt like the perfect story to feature. One day, Nathanael will be assessed for a reversal. However, like Wyatt, there are so many more things that make Nathanael a true warrior.

A Fight for Survival from Day One

Nathanael’s journey started on New Year’s Eve, when he decided to make an early entrance into the world at just 23 weeks. Weighing a tiny 1 pound and 4 ounces, his fight began from the very moment he was born.

Starting life so small, Nathanael was extremely poorly. While being cared for at James Cook Hospital, he developed sepsis and suffered a perforated bowel, leading to an urgent transfer to the RVI in Newcastle for emergency surgery. That life-saving operation gave him his stoma.

Because his lungs were so tiny and underdeveloped, Nathanael needed maximum support to breathe, relying on 100% oxygen and nitric gas. His parents faced every parent's worst nightmare—not just once, but multiple times. Yet time and time again, Nathanael showed everyone what true strength looks like, fighting through every single moment.

A Special Visitor

Through all the hard days, there were moments of light. At 100 days old, Nathanael was chosen to meet Princess Anne during her visit to the RVI—a special moment celebrating how far this warrior had come, all before his actual due date!

A Brave Flight to London

The battles didn't end there. On top of fighting frequent severe infections, needing complicated medical interventions (which weren't without complications), and adjusting to life with a stoma, Nathanael was also diagnosed with Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)—a condition where the blood vessels in his eyes weren't developing as they should. When initial injections proved unsuccessful, he took a helicopter ride down to GOSH in London for specialised eye surgery.

Heartbreakingly, the doctors found that his retina had already detached, leaving him blind in his left eye. It was a tough blow, but losing sight in his eye did nothing to dim Nathanael's strength, and on he battled.

Home, Hope, and Real Heroes

Nathanael is a true warrior in every sense of the word. The hospital was home for Nathanael, his mammy, and his daddy for over six months. He endured more in those first few months than most adults do in a lifetime.

He is now home, continuing his fight every single day and celebrating every hard-won milestone. While he still requires oxygen support, he faces each challenge with unyielding strength. His parents remain the steady force behind him. They have not only become "stoma superstars," but have truly evolved into medical heroes, providing life-saving care daily with unwavering devotion.

Why We Share Nathanael's Story

Stories like Wyatt’s and Nathanael’s are the reason Completely Fearless exists. Having walked through the darkest hospital days alongside families like Nathanael's, we know how frightening it is when everything is on the line.

We share these real journeys to celebrate our amazing warrior babies, empower parents to trust their instincts, and raise awareness so that every family gets the right support at the right time.