BirminghamLive is celebrating remarkable families across the region who are making a difference, from a toddler's lifesaving liver transplant to a mother's courageous cancer story and a foster carer's new venture. Readers are being invited to share their own inspirational tales with Parenting Editor Zoe Chamberlain.
Brave Leyland's Lifesaving Liver Transplant
Laura Stuart's toddler, Leyland, underwent a liver transplant at Birmingham Children's Hospital when he was just 18 months old. The operation took place nine days after Laura gave birth to her second child, forcing her to leave her newborn with her mum in Edinburgh while she stayed in Birmingham for Leyland's treatment.
Laura's remarkable strength serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of the organ donor register, according to the BirminghamLive report. Her story was featured in a piece titled 'My toddler had a liver transplant when my baby was nine days old and I'm so grateful'.
Darcey's Cancer Battle and University Milestone
Deborah Burrows, like many mums, proudly dropped her daughter Darcey off at university earlier this month. But the moment was especially poignant because Darcey had battled and beaten cancer at just three years old. Deborah is now bravely sharing her family's experience, saying 'this is the story I wish I'd seen when my daughter was diagnosed with cancer aged three'.
Her account aims to support other parents facing a similar diagnosis, offering insight and hope drawn from her own journey.
Milly's Fostering Journey and New Play Centre
Milly Dobson has fostered 17 children over the past seven years, continuing her fostering work even after giving birth to two of her own children. She has now opened a new role play centre in a beautiful old chapel in Coleshill, just 20 minutes from Birmingham.
According to BirminghamLive, Milly's experience means she, more than anyone, knows what kids and parents like and need. The centre, called Giggle Wiggle and Grow, features The Imagination Village and has been designed with families in mind.
Share Your Story and Other News
Some of these stories have been selected for BirminghamLive Premium content, curated especially for subscribers with fewer adverts. Readers can access them by signing up for a £1 trial, with subscriptions also supporting journalists in delivering stories that make a difference in the region.
Zoe Chamberlain, Parenting Editor, is inviting readers to send their inspirational stories to her at zoe.chamberlain@reachplc.com.
In other news, Alton Towers has launched its Scarefest, with Halloween fun for all ages. Drayton Manor is offering free tickets for teachers in October, and McFly have been named as the first act for the new Ludlow Castle season. For those seeking seasonal work, jobs at the German Market are paying £13.45 an hour with no experience necessary.
Readers can follow Brummie Mummies on Facebook and Instagram, listen to their podcasts, and sign up to the free Brummie Mummies newsletter to read more inspirational stories like Laura's, Deborah's, and Milly's.
