Jason and Debbie Reid’s world was turned upside down when their unborn son Noah was diagnosed with Potters Syndrome/Bilateral Renal Agenesis, which is a condition that inhibits the formation of kidneys in the foetus.
With the support of family, friends and the Little Lifetime Foundation the brave couple are gradually coming to terms with their loss. So much so that they organised a charity cycle to raise awareness of the condition and to keep the memory of little Noah’s brief but treasured life to the fore.
Speaking about the success of the event, Jason says, “It felt great. We are never going to forget Noah and we want people to know how common the disease is.” Their other children Kayla and Adam who have suffered immeasurably also helped their parents come through the shattering experience.
The whole family would like to express their gratitude to their friends who came out in their droves to support the event.
The couple were forced to live through the agony of Debbie carrying Noah for five months while they planned his funeral. Noah was born on June 26th 2012 and was alive for about two minutes. During that time Noah’s loving parents, sister Kayla and brother Adam held him and said goodbye.
The family could not have come through the experience without the support of the Little Lifetime Foundation who put them in touch with the Barretstown retreat. There, both parents and kids received family-oriented bereavement counselling and support which was invaluable.
The charity cycle from the Beehive Pub in Wicklow to the Martello Tower in Sandymount which took in Wicklow, South County Dublin and Dublin 4, was a huge success, with 36 participants. The Reid family, originally from Ringsend but now living in Arklow, were overwhelmed by the support they received.
They would like to thank their friends, both in Ringsend and Arklow and The Vintage Pub for providing a venue for the post-cycle presentations, drinks and food.
All the money raised will go to support the work of The Little Lifetime Foundation who sponsored t-shirts and certificates for the cyclists.
Story by Rupert Heather
