From life-support to campaign star; Caleb continues to shine!
Just under a year ago, we were delighted to have Caleb – a bright-eyed little boy from Wrexham – as part of the 2024 Matalan x Alder Hey pyjama campaign. At the time, Caleb was just 14 months old and had already been on a remarkable journey. Born with tetralogy of Fallot, a complex congenital heart defect, and spina bifida, Caleb had faced more medical challenges in his first year than many do in a lifetime.
Shortly after birth, Caleb experienced cyanotic (blue) spells and was placed on a ventilator at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. He then became the first ever participant in a GASTRIC-PICU study focussing on improving nutrition and care for critically ill children.
In March 2024, Caleb underwent major heart surgery to repair the hole in his heart. Just a few months later, he featured proudly in the Matalan campaign – wearing his new pyjamas with a beaming smile, helping to raise vital funds and awareness for Alder Hey.
Fast forward to today, and Caleb is thriving. He celebrated his second birthday in April 2025, a milestone filled with joy. After months of determination and regular physiotherapy, Caleb recently started walking – a huge achievement for any toddler, but especially for a child with a tethered spinal cord.
“He started walking around three weeks ago – yay!” his mum Keeley shares proudly. “He loves being outside, watching cars, buses and motorbikes go by, and shouting ‘goal!’ while kicking a football. Watching Dad do headers makes him laugh so much.”
While his spinal surgery shortly after the 2024 campaign wasn’t successful in untethering his spine, plans are in place for another attempt in the future, when he’s a bit bigger. In the meantime, Caleb continues to receive regular physiotherapy locally, and attends monthly play therapy sessions at Alder Hey with his fantastic therapist, Lorna.
“His confidence is growing… It’s going to be a long journey, but he’s on his way.” Keeley said.
Being part of the Matalan x Alder Hey campaign left a lasting mark on Caleb’s family. “It meant the world to us,” Keeley says. “To share Caleb’s story, raise awareness of his conditions, and support the GASTRIC-PICU study meant so much. The pyjamas were great – we still wear ours!”
The campaign also inspired Caleb’s uncle, Jamie, to take action. He raised nearly £1000 for Miles for Smiles, a challenge which saw fundraisers walk, run or jog 31 miles in the month of October 2024. Jamie has also undertaken some volunteer shifts at our Old Swan charity shop, and has spoken at Alder Hey staff wellbeing events through his walking group, Stroll for the Soul.
This week marks two years since Caleb’s emergency heart surgery. Reflecting on everything their little boy has overcome, Keeley and dad James said: “To go from life support to walking, playing, and taking part in the campaign – it’s just incredible. We’re so proud of him and so grateful to everyone at Alder Hey.”
As the family eagerly awaits the limited summer run of Matalan pyjamas, one thing is clear: Caleb’s journey continues to inspire. With his cheeky smile, unstoppable spirit, and a loving community behind him, Caleb’s story is one of resilience, hope, and joy – and it’s only just beginning.
