Aaron Chalmers' ex Talia says their son may need a wheelchair and reveals she cries over heartbreaking health condition

The Sun

2 days ago

GEORDIE Shore star Aaron Chalmers' ex has heartbreakingly revealed their son may need a wheelchair as she gave an emotional update on his progress.
Talia Oatway admitted she "cries a lot" and feels "overwhelmed" over son Oakley 's Apert Syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes fusion of the skull, hands, and feet bones.
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Recently, the 33-year-old told how the three-year-old tot had undergone a gruelling seven hour surgery on his hand.
Initially, she sparked concern after revealing their son couldn't stop being sick ahead of his crucial operation.
She also previously took to Instagram to post a proud video of her son taking his first steps and shared an update with her followers.
Now Talia has laid bare her emotions in a new question and answer session on Instagram, where one fan mused: "You are a great woman, a strong, very strong, woman."
She replied and put: "Thank you, I honestly don't think I'm strong.
"I am very emotional at times.
"I cry a lot especially in situations where I can't get my point across or when I'm overwhelmed.
"I have tried to hold my emotions in as much as I can especially when the kids are around."
One fan then told how Oakley was doing "amazing" as he walked on his own.
Watch emotional moment Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers' son Oakley walks for the first time after gruelling health battle
Revealing his exact situation Talia, who found fame thanks to her relationship with MTV reality star turned MMA fighter Aaron, wrote: "Ah thank you, he will only walk outside for a very very short time (like a few minutes) at home he walks more.
"The bones on the bottom of his feet are becoming more prominent, which is where I need to keep an eye on.
"A lot of Apert children require feet surgery and depend on wheelchairs at times.
"This is due to the bones on the bottom of their feet causing pain up to their backs.
What is Apert Syndrome?
APERT syndrome, also known as acrocephalosyndactyly, is a rare disorder that is named after the doctor who first discovered it in the early 20th century.
It is a genetic condition and is caused by a mutation of the FGFR2 gene.
This affects how cells in the body - namely bone cells - grow, divide and die.
Children born with Apert syndrome have a characteristic appearance, which is caused by the bones in the skull and face fusing and not growing in proportion, according to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
It can increase a child's risk of hydrocephalus, which results in pressure building on the brain, and it can also cause Chiari malformation, where the base of the brain is squeezed.
Other complications include breathing difficulties and heart problems, which require life-long monitoring.
The condition is said to occurs in one in every 65,000 to 88,000 births and a child's outlook can vary greatly depending on the severity of symptoms.
"He really is doing amazing."
In June last year Oakley underwent emergency surgery after a hole was found in his skull, causing brain fluid to leak out.
He was forced to stay in hospital for more than five weeks and Talia later revealed the surgery had suffered complications.
FAMILY SITUATION
Aaron and Talia welcomed Oakley into the world in February 2022.
The former couple also share Romeo, four, and Maddox, three.
They got together in 2017 but split just months after Oakley's birth.
The broke up in December 2022 after five years together following a series of rows.
Talia has since been documenting Oakley's medical journey on social media, receiving a host of well-wishes and support from followers.
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