By Rachael Grealish

A fundraiser has been set up to help get a St Bees baby, Jude, to a medical specialist in London prompting the community to rally around in support.

Since birth, 14-month-old Jude Jackson has been grappling with complex medical conditions, including nystagmus, a condition affecting the eyes, and a rare brain condition known as Absent Septum Pellucidum (ASP).

In December 2022, it was revealed Jude has 6/60 vision, rendering him legally blind, and in January this year a diagnostic ultrasound unveiled the presence of ASP, an uncommon neurological condition.

Currently under the care of services in West Cumbria, Jude’s parents, Kate and Dion Jackson, have encountered challenges in obtaining a defined diagnosis and treatment plan due to local resource limitations. 

Undeterred, they have tirelessly conducted research, engaged with charities, and even fundraised for the organisations that supported their journey – Jude’s siblings, Issac and Everlyn, even recently took part in a 5k walk a day for a week for the charity Nystagmus Network.

Recently, Jude’s parents had a glimmer of hope when they were invited to the Guide Dog family weekend and had the chance to speak with a leading specialist at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. 

This specialist, with expertise in nystagmus, expressed a keen interest in Jude’s case and offered to see him promptly.

Unfortunately, financial constraints have now become a barrier preventing Jude’s family from seizing this invaluable opportunity. Despite working full-time and receiving tremendous support, the costs associated with private medical treatment and travel to London have proven to be overwhelming.

However, the community is now rallying behind Jude’s family, and a GoFundMe page has been established to help raise the necessary funds, with a target of £2000. The goal is to facilitate Jude’s visit to London, where the specialist awaits, and where Guide Dogs and Great Ormond Street Hospital can provide vital support.

The urgency of the situation is underscored by the hope to have Jude seen by the specialist on November 24. 

Kate told The Herdwick News: “Both Dion and I are so proud of Jude and always just intended on raising awareness of Jude’s condition and his story – one of giving and positivity.

“But we appreciate how much support we have and how much our family and friends care about supporting us as parents as well as Jude. We are so grateful for the opportunity we’ve been given to have Jude seen by the best.”

To support this cause and donate visit Jude’s GoFundMe page.