My son Aiden's suffered hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) during his difficult birth. The team in the intensive care unit began to reduce his body temperature to protect him from brain damage, a process known as cooling therapy.

For the first two hours I didn’t know whether our beautiful son had survived or not. Aiden was transferred to another hospital for further cooling therapy where he was wrapped in his ice blanket. His breathing was assisted and he was suffering from seizures.

The cooling therapy was helping control these, but it was just so emotionally draining not knowing how affected he would be.

The days that followed, with Aiden in an incubator and wired up to several machines, involved a whirlwind of tests, information and enough tears to fill an ocean. The ice blanket was removed after 72 hours and Aiden was warmed to a normal body temperature.

The day Aiden met his two big brothers, Keiran and Joshua, was a huge milestone for us, as it was the day when we could finally hold him. We were both very nervous as we didn't want to knock his breathing tubes or wires, but holding Aiden was the most amazing feeling and well over due!

Aiden is now three years old and is a happy little boy who loves to play and be around people. He has cerebral palsy but a combination of therapies is helping him get stronger. Aiden has the biggest, brightest smile and laugh. He can easily melt your heart. Without previous research his outcome could have been even more severe. Research that could further advance treatment is so important.

Keith gclark@action.org.uk Yes Yes