Better news for Ricky Jay (From Barry And District News)

Better news for Ricky Jay

A BABY boy who had eight operations in the first few weeks of his life may be able to lead a normal existence, doctors have said

Ricky Jay Roberts is nearly 17 months old - in the first 16 weeks of his life he had eight operations, and needs constant care.

A few weeks ago the Barry and District News reported how he was due to go to a specialist children's hospital in London to find out what the next step in his treatment would be - but the ambulance expected to take him there turned up three hours late.

Ricky Jay has since seen specialists at Great Ormond Street, who were able to give him more appropriate medication - and give his mum Bronwen Dennis new hope.

They are now waiting for another appointment to further investigate his problems. He was born with a blockage in his windpipe called a Webber Membrane, and this prevented him breathing properly.

He had this removed but has had major problems since because of complications. He had a tracheotomy and has a tube in his stomach so that he can be fed.

His mum Bronwen Dennis, aged 31, who grew up in Barry but now lives in Illtyd Avenue in Llantwit Major, said: "Ricky Jay is so much better now he is on the correct medication and I am hopeful that he will soon not need the tracheotomy.

"I have been told that his oesophagus can be rebuilt so he will not need the device. And he will eventually be able to eat solids through his mouth.

"I just want him to be able to do normal things so he can lead a normal life - things like take a girl out when he is older, and be able to eat and drink."

When Ricky Jay was born Bronwen could only hold him for a few minutes before he was taken away for treatment.

Mum-of-three and former Treharne Road resident Bronwen said: "My other children hardly saw me when he was ill and I think they resented that at first. It was difficult for them.

"At Christmas I was watching a video of Ricky Jay and I burst into tears. I cried for a week about what happened. I don't think I had time to cry when it was happening.

"But now I can see a brighter future for him."