A hydrocephalus awareness charity is calling on all UK healthcare providers to help raise awareness of “lifesaving” baby head measurement.
Harry’s Hydrocephalus Awareness Trust (Harry’s HAT) is an organisation that was set up to raise awareness of paediatric hydrocephalus – an incurable, and sadly life-threatening condition that affects one in every 770 babies.
Hydrocephalus is a build-up of excess fluid in the brain, which can put pressure on it to such an extent that it causes damage, and – if left untreated – can be fatal.
Harry’s HAT was set up in 2018 by founder and CEO, Caroline Coates, whose son Harry was first diagnosed with an arachnoid cyst when she was 36-weeks pregnant, that was later confirmed after he was born to have caused hydrocephalus.
Harry’s family were then told he would need a permanent shunt to drain the fluid from his brain at just eight weeks old if he was to survive.
By the time Harry had reached his first birthday, the youngster had already endured four brain surgeries, and had spent lots of time in hospital, with frequent blue light trips into A&E – while his family found themselves isolated by their lack of knowledge on the condition, and often struggled to access the support and information they needed.
Harry was diagnosed with hydrocephalus shortly after he was born / Credit: Caroline Coates
Harry’s HAT is the only UK charity to focus solely on hydrocephalus and its impact, and the organisation works to make life better for children with hydrocephalus, as well as for those who love and care for them, all year round.
The organisation’s latest campaign, however, may be one of its most crucial yet.
The GET-A-HEAD Campaign is working to spread awareness and highlight the importance of the need for trained health care professionals to measure and record a baby’s head circumference in the first year of life, as this is one of the ways hydrocephalus can be diagnosed.
Hoping to reach expectant and new parents across the UK, the campaign’s mission is to show why these measurements can be a crucial tool for spotting life-threatening conditions such as hydrocephalus, so that little ones showing signs of the condition will no longer be able to slip through the net.
The campaign was set up after a recent survey by pregnancy and parenting advice forum, Bounty, discovered that only 20% of new parents were aware that measuring a baby’s head can help identify hydrocephalus, and almost half (45%) didn’t know that their baby’s head should even be measured at birth.
Harry’s HAT says “this needs to change”, as research suggests that early diagnosis can help improve the outcome for a baby born with hydrocephalus.
“While there is no cure for the condition, there is treatment,” the charity urges.
The GET-A-HEAD Campaign is working to spread awareness of lifesaving baby head measurement / Credit: Harry’s HAT
Speaking on why the campaign means so much to her, and why it’s so crucial, Caroline Coates – founder and CEO of Harry’s HAT – said: “Harry is my fourth child and I have spent most of my working life working for social care charities, yet even I didn’t know why they measured a baby’s head. I just thought it was something health professionals did and I never considered that it could reveal a life-threatening condition.”
“Far too many babies are still slipping through the net, and all too often we hear from parents who tell us that chances to spot their child’s hydrocephalus were missed.”
You can support the GET-A-HEAD Campaign and find out more about the work Harry’s HAT does on the charity’s website here.
Featured Image – Harry’s HAT
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Manchester to fall silent today to mark 80th anniversary of VJ Day
Emily Sergeant
Manchester will mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ Day) with a poignant ceremony at the city’s Cenotaph today.
While VE Day in May 1945 signified the end of World War II in Europe, thousands of British, Commonwealth, and Allied troops continued to fight in Asia and the Pacific – but VJ Day, which was declared on 15 August 1945, brought a final end to the global conflict.
The day remains a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of those who fought for freedom, and Manchester‘s commemorations today will aim to honour their courage, resilience, and sacrifice.
The event will bring together veterans, civic leaders, cadets, and members of the public in a shared moment of reflection and gratitude.
This year’s commemorations in the city centre will begin at 11:50am.
15 August 1945 marked Victory over Japan.
Join us tomorrow at 11:40am at the Cenotaph to commemorate the 80th anniversary of WWII in the Far East and honour those who served🫡
A two minute silence will be held at 12 noon, marked by a maroon.
Commemorations will start with opening remarks from The Very Reverend Rogers Govender, followed by a solemn programme of remembrance.
The service will begin at 11:58am with The Exhortation recited by Brigadier AG Ross OBE, followed by The Last Post sounded by WO2 Nick Burroughs, and then at midday, a national two-minute silence will be observed – which will be marked by the firing of a maroon.
Brigadier Ross will then recite the Kohima Epitaph, leading into the wreath laying ceremony featuring cadets from the Manchester Trafalgar Unit Sea Cadets, and the Lord Mayor of Manchester.
The service will conclude with the singing of the National Anthem.
Manchester to fall silent today to mark 80th anniversary of VJ Day / Credit: Manchester City Council
Iconic buildings and landmarks in Manchester, including the Manchester Civic Quarter Heat Network (CQHN) tower, will illuminate their facades from 9pm tonight to honour VJ Day.
“Today, Manchester stands united in remembrance and respect,” commented Councillor Carmine Grimshaw, who is the Lord Mayor of Manchester. “The 80th anniversary of VJ Day is not only a tribute to those who served and sacrificed, but also a celebration of peace and resilience.
“Manchester’s commemorations today reflect the deep gratitude we hold for those who gave so much for the freedoms we have today.”
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
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First look at Chester Zoo’s new luxury safari-style lodges where you can sleep amongst the animals
Emily Sergeant
The first look at Chester Zoo’s new luxury safari-style resort has been released to the public, and it looks stunning.
In case you missed it, artist impression images of the highly anticipated wildlife lodge experience at Chester Zoo, called The Reserve, were unveiled earlier this year ahead of its grand opening to the public this month following several years in the works… but now opening day is right around the corner, the first official images have been shared.
The Reserve at Chester Zoo features 51 beautifully-designed lodges, with some overlooking a private savannah where giraffes, zebras, and blesbok antelope roam free, while others are nestled beside a peaceful lake.
Guests can choose from a variety of different lodges to stay in, available for up to nine people.
The lodges have been crafted using natural and sustainable materials, with the décor being inspired by landscapes in Africa, and it’s already being described as ‘the ultimate African safari experience right here in the UK’.
Combining luxurious accommodation with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the zoo’s world-renowned wildlife, Chester Zoo says the new resort is set to transform how travellers experience conservation in the UK.
Those behind the project say the innovative concept – where every stay directly-funds the protection of threatened species globally – will help to strengthen the zoo’s role as ‘one of the country’s most loved and most impactful conservation charities’.
Chester Zoo has given the first look at its new luxury safari-style lodges / Credit: Chester Zoo
“The Reserve at Chester Zoo is a game-changer, not just for luxury travel but for conservation,” commented Jamie Christon, who is the CEO at Chester Zoo.
“Born from our long-standing commitment to protecting African wildlife, we’ve created a truly immersive, safari-style experience right here in the UK, where guests may wake up to giraffes on their doorstep, enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters and relax in beautifully designed lodges surrounded by nature.
“But what makes The Reserve truly unique is its purpose.
“Guests at The Reserve aren’t just going to enjoy a luxury break – they’re going to power our conservation movement for generations to come.”
Stays at the resort are now available to book online / Credit: Chester Zoo
In the off-season, prices for the lodges start from £375, while one-night stays in summer start from £672.50.
And then in peak season, for the more luxurious lodges, prices can go all the way up to £2,486, but it is worth noting, however, that this does include guided safari tours and going behind the scenes with the giraffes.
Emily Sergeant -
10th March 2023 
