Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers's ex Talia Oatway reveals their son Oakley, three, may need a wheelchair and admits she is often in tears over his Apert Syndrome

Daily Mail​

20 hours ago

Aaron Chalmers ' ex-girlfriend Talia Oatway has shared another health update on their son.
The ex Geordie Shore star, 38, and Talia welcomed baby Oakley in the spring of 2022 and the couple initially kept the news that he had been born Apert Syndrome to themselves.
Following his birth Aaron and Talia, 33, revealed their 'little soldier' would be 'in and out of surgery for 18-24 months', with his mother staying by his side. Aaron and Talia split four months after the birth.
The NHS describes Apert Syndrome as 'a type of complex craniosynostosis that effects the skull, hands and feet,' with bones fusing together before birth.
This week Talia took part in an Instagram Q&A where she revealed their son may need a wheelchair soon and told how she often cries over his condition.
One fan wrote to her: 'You are a great woman, a strong, very strong, woman.', to which she replied: '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 in a recent social media post.
She then replied saying: '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. He really is doing amazing.'
In May 2023 Talia shared the first photos of their son Oakley as she discussed his rare genetic syndrome and detailed the tot's strength.
The couple, who share two other children together, announced their split the previous December, four months after their youngest was born with serious health issues.
After keeping his diagnosis private, Talia explained that Oakley, then just seven months, was born with Apert Syndrome, in a heartbreaking post.
In a brave caption, the influencer detailed the 'toughest seven months of her life' and praised her son for his bravery and determination, after finally 'coming to terms with everything.'
The NHS describes Apert Syndrome as 'a type of complex craniosynostosis that effects the skull, hands and feet,' with bones fusing together before birth.
'The facial bones are also affected, as the cheekbones and upper jaw do not grow in proportion to the rest of the skull. The bones around the eyes are wider spaced and shallower than usual, causing the eyes to bulge outwards.'
Sharing a series of photos from the hospital, Talia cradled Oakley in her arms, another sweet snap showed him smiling widely with a stuffed toy monkey.
She penned: 'This is OAKLEY. It has been the toughest 7 months of my entire life. I have been thrown into a medical world, with no forewarning, no time to prepare.
'Only now I feel like I'm coming to terms everything, finally coping with how I'm feeling, embracing our new normal.
'This is my beautiful son Oakley Bleu, he was born with a rare genetic syndrome called Apert Syndrome.
'Apert Syndrome causes the premature fusion of sutures in the skull, causing a different head shape. Syndactyly - fusion of the bones in the hands & feet). Cleft of the hard palate causing difficulties with feed and speech.
'Choanal stenosis (narrowing of the airway) causing breathing difficulties. Apert Syndrome often causes a global developmental and learning delay. (Oakley sleeps on a vent mask) and uses oxygen.'
Talia continued: 'Oakley has a long road ahead, this is a lifelong journey and it isn't going to be easy. But my boy, you have shown me how strong you are!
'You are brave and determined and I love you more than you'll ever know. I hope that by sharing our journey I can raise awareness and support other medical families.
'I'm so proud of this boy, he has shown me nothing in this world matters but health and love. It has taken me a long time to get where I am but finally I'm starting to feel happy again.
'Son, you have two amazing brothers and an amazing big sister behind you. We have absolutely everything we need. Let's do this,' she concluded.