A mother's wish

A mother’s Christmas wish

That’s life (Australia)

Mother’s instinct told Kate something was amiss with her longed-for little girl, but it proved to be a tremendous battle with medics to first of all be believed, then to find out what was going on…

Annabelle, now six, has rare genetic condition FOXP1, which affects the brain, heart and other body systems. Symptoms can include global developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, anxiety and more.

But mum-of-four Kate Skelton was determined to help her daughter reach her full potential, and fought her local authority when they denied Annabelle the physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, ongoing expert support and parental respite she was entitled to. They fought it at tribunal and won, paving the way for Annabelle’s complex needs to be properly supported.

Now, Annabelle walks, talks, rides a bike, was flower girl at her godmother’s wedding and is living a life full of love and joy - all the things doctors told Kate her daughter would never have.

In this lovely and heartfelt letter to her daughter, Kate writes directly to Annabelle, sharing their journey, her dreams, beliefs and hopes for the future - and the moment she made a simple Christmas wish that meant the world to her: to hear Annabelle say her first words. It’s a beautiful read and on sale now in That’s Life Australia.

For families seeking help, support and information about FOXP1, please visit the FOXP1 Foundation.