Eleri’s Story

When my daughter was five months old, she was diagnosed with hip dysplasia.

It was completely unexpected, and suddenly we were faced with a lot of questions. What would treatment involve? Would she be okay? Were we doing the right thing? Like many parents at the start of this journey, we felt overwhelmed and unsure of what lay ahead.

Over the months that followed, she went on to have four operations on her hip, including both closed and open reduction. It was an emotional time, not only navigating her treatment but also being a new mum, trying to understand what she needed and how best to support her day to day.

One of the biggest challenges was sourcing the right equipment. We needed a specialist car seat at short notice, but we had very little knowledge of what to look for or where to start.

That’s when we found STEPS.

They provided reassurance at a time when everything felt uncertain. They answered our questions, helped us understand our options, and most importantly, sourced a specialist adapted car seat for us free of charge. That practical support made a huge difference to our day-to-day lives, but just as importantly, it helped us feel more confident and less alone.

Although our experience was specific to hip dysplasia, it quickly became clear that STEPS supports families and individuals facing a wide range of lower limb conditions, offering the same compassion, expertise and understanding. That experience is what led me to become a Trustee of STEPS, so I could play a small part in helping other families access the same support.

This is my perspective as a parent, and one day it will be my daughter’s story to tell. She is a truly special little girl, and we are endlessly proud of her strength and everything she has faced so far.

Today, my daughter continues to have regular scans as she grows, and there may still be challenges ahead. But we feel much better equipped to navigate whatever comes next.