Pride of Guernsey: Aaron and Claire Nash

AARON and Claire Nash have been nominated for the way they have had to overcome many unexpected challenges after their first baby together, Willow, became very unwell at around eight days old last July.

AARON and Claire Nash have been nominated for the way they have had to overcome many unexpected challenges after their first baby, Willow, became very unwell at around eight days old last July.
Paediatrician Dr Sandie Bohin recognised the condition as Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD), an extremely rare metabolic disorder that needs immediate treatment.
Willow was put on life support and sent to the UK on a medical charter flight.
Aaron and Claire have been put forward for The Christies Group-sponsored Parent of the Year award by an anonymous nominator.
‘At this desperate time when they needed to be together, Aaron and Claire had to make the choice who was going to travel on the medical flight and who was following on later as room was limited due to all the medical staff and equipment needed,’ said the nominator.
‘They left Guernsey with what they had with them and not knowing what the future held for Willow.’
Willow survived and thanks to her treatment has done extremely well since. Aaron and Claire have had to attend appointments in the UK to learn how to cope with MSUD, how to monitor Willow’s condition and about the special carefully controlled low-protein diet she requires to stay healthy.
‘They have shown great courage and resilience, and have been outstanding in helping the family and nursery staff understand.’
Aaron and Claire have worked hard to build a regular family life for Willow – with the necessary adjustments.
‘It must be so hard for them to have the only child in Guernsey with MSUD and understandably life cannot be quite as ‘‘normal’’ as they first expected.’