Better Start, Better Future | Iona's Story

Iona was born on Valentine's Day at just 32 weeks, weighing only 1.7kg, after an emergency Category 1 caesarean section due to a placental abruption. Within moments of being born, she was placed on a ventilator and urgently transferred from Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr to the specialist intensive care unit at The Grange in Cwmbran.

Reflecting on those first few days, Shaun and Naomi said:

Everything happened so quickly, and it felt like our whole world had been turned upside down in an instant. It was such a frightening and overwhelming time for us as a family. Naomi spent the night at Prince Charles Hospital while Iona spent the night in Cwmbran, and being apart from her so soon after she was born was incredibly difficult. Thankfully, we were reunited the following day.

As Iona continued her care, the family was introduced to Cerebral Palsy Cymru through their neonatologist.

We first heard about Cerebral Palsy Cymru when Iona came under the care of Dr Parish at Princess of Wales Hospital. Dr Parish felt that Iona would benefit from the Better Start, Better Future early intervention programme. Our first session was on 29 July 2025 and, if we're honest, we were really nervous walking through the doors. As parents, you naturally worry about what lies ahead and whether you're doing enough for your child.

Those nerves quickly disappeared.

From the moment we met Natasha Elliott, Cerebral Palsy Cymru's Family Support Coordinator, we instantly felt at ease. The warmth, kindness and support we received made such a difference.

Shaun and Naomi say the Better Start, Better Future programme has supported not only Iona's development but also given the whole family the knowledge and confidence to help her thrive.

The Better Start, Better Future programme has been truly invaluable in Iona's journey so far. It hasn't just helped Iona with her progress and development; it has also helped us as parents, and our wider family, understand how best to support her physiotherapy and development. It has given us guidance, reassurance and confidence during a time that can often feel uncertain.

The family has also benefited from attending the Better Start Together playgroup, where they have connected with other parents facing similar experiences.

Meeting and talking with other parents who truly understand what you are going through has made us feel less alone and has brought us reassurance during difficult moments.

Shaun and Naomi say Cerebral Palsy Cymru has become an important part of Iona's journey and continues to make a lasting difference to their family.

As parents, all you ever want is to give your child the best chance in life, and Cerebral Palsy Cymru has become such an important part of Iona's journey. We truly cannot thank the team enough for the incredible help, support, care and compassion they provide, not just for Iona, but for our whole family.

After seeing first hand the difference specialist therapy at Cerebral Palsy Cymru has made to Iona and her family, Iona's grandmother, Alison, nominated Cerebral Palsy Cymru to The Pavers Foundation through the Pavers Shoes employee nomination scheme. If your employer has a similar charity or community funding programme, please consider nominating 

Cerebral Palsy Cymru, your support could help make a real difference children and families in Wales living with cerebral palsy.