A dash for cash inspired by Theo

Theo Siddall has more to contend with than most two- year-olds.

The tot suffers from a condition which means he permanently needs to wear a colostomy bag.

Theo was born with ano-rectal malformation – meaning he had no opening to his bowel – and was given an emergency colostomy at just 24 hours old.

Just four months later, the youngster, who lives in Sheffield with his older brother Austin, six, and parents Sue and Rob, had an operation at Sheffield Children’s Hospital to create an opening in his bottom, followed by his third operation – a reversal of the colostomy – two months later.

“This was the first time Theo was able to poo ‘normally’,” says Sue. “It was an amazing knowing he was back together, and he appeared so happy and pleased with himself as if he knew how far he had come.”

But it quickly became apparent that young Theo was unable to control his bowel movements, and, despite 12 nappy changes a day he was left with a bottom so sore that it became ulcerated and bled.

“This was really painful for Theo” adds Sue, “and it was awful as a parent to have to try and clean his bottom when he was crying in pain. Theo found it really uncomfortable to do day to day things such as sitting in the bath and eating his tea at the table, and he often had to stand up because his bottom was so sore.

“After a few more minor operations and investigations, the consultant told us we should consider giving Theo a colostomy again to relieve his pain. As parents we were heartbroken to hear this given everything Theo had been through, and in some ways it felt like a backwards step. But because of the amount of pain he was in, we didn’t really have a choice.”

In December 2014, Theo had a final operation to recreate his colostomy – and he has since gone from strength to strength.

“While we initially felt apprehensive about the operation, we now know it was totally the right decision for Theo. He has now accepted that he wears a colostomy bag and isn’t afraid to show it off to anyone who wants to see it!”

Sue, along with her sister and two friends, have now vowed to give back to the hospital by getting muddy in an 8km obstacle run, the Endurer Dash. Her group – Theo’s Angels – will complete the course on March 28 in fancy dress.

“We are very lucky to have a hospital offering specialist paediatric surgery right on our doorstep. Only when I became mum to a child who needed specialist paediatric surgery did I come to fully appreciate it.”

Theo will receive ongoing follow-ups with his consultant and regular support from his stoma nurse, Liz Scudamore, at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

“If I could give any advice to other parents, it would just be that the resilience of children is amazing, how they just accept what life throws at them and carry on, with a smile on their face.”


n To support Sue and Theo’s Angels in their fund-raising bid for the Sheffield Children’s Hospital visit tchc.org.uk