Dad and daughter’s cycle ride for ‘little miracle’

Ian Nash and his daughter Charlie recently did a sponsored 11-mile cycle ride to raise money for the children's hospice

A dad and his daughter have completed a cycle challenge to raise money for a children's hospice in the name of the family's "miracle" baby.

Ian and Debs Nash, from Nailsea, nearly lost their son Riley, who was born without hearing, is confined to a wheelchair and has epileptic seizures.

The family have been supported by Children’s Hospice South West’s Charlton Farm Children’s Hospice since 2021, which they said gives them the chance to "recharge their batteries".

Daughter Charlie, 12, a keen mountain bike trail rider, said: “I wanted to do something for the hospice because of what they do for us as a family and other families.”

Mr and Mrs Nash fell pregnant in October 2013, but she collapsed at home early into her pregnancy and was rushed to hospital with internal bleeding.

It was discovered she was carrying twins, but the couple were told she had suffered an ectopic pregnancy and had miscarried.

After thinking their dreams of a brother or sister for Charlie had been shattered, Mrs Nash was taken for another scan.

“The consultant came in and said he didn’t know quite how to tell us, but Debs was still pregnant,” said Mr Nash.

“It was mind-blowing to find out that Debs had been pregnant with twins and that one – our Riley - had survived.”

Riley's family said his face lights up when they visit Charlton Farm

Following a 12 week scan, blood tests revealed that Mrs Nash had contracted a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV), which can affect unborn babies while the organs are developing.

“Because I had contracted it very early in the pregnancy, we were told it was likely it would affect Riley,” said Mrs Nash.

“But we had already come so far, we were not going to give up on him."

Riley was born in July 2014 but tests revealed he could only hear in one ear.

After being given a trial drug to reduce his CMV viral load, Riley also lost the hearing in his other ear.

At six months old Riley, who is confined to a wheelchair, suffered his first epileptic fit, after which he was fitted with a Vagus Nerve Stimulator to control them.

'Biggest of smiles'

Three years ago the family were referred to Charlton Farm where their stays give them the chance to recharge.

Mr Nash said: “We know that when Riley is at Charlton Farm he is safe and cared for. It takes the pressure off us completely."

The team at the hospice also provide sibling care to help them talk about any issues.

Mr Nash and Charlie recently completed a sponsored 11-mile cycle ride raising £1,250.

The family will use the money to purchase items on Charlton Farm’s ‘wish list’, including switch adapted toys and hammocks.

Area fundraiser Lucie Perryman said: “We're so proud of Ian and Charlie for completing their challenge and for their fabulous fundraising."

Mr and Ms Nash say although life is tough, Riley continues to amaze them.

“And as soon as we walk through the doors of Charlton Farm he knows it – because his face lights up with the biggest of smiles,” they added.