Spina bifida sufferer to take the plunge in memory of daughter

An Angus man is taking on a bungee jump in a bid to raise money for research into lifechanging conditions.

Robert Beattie from Arbroath knows all too well the difficulties which can arise from spina bifida and hydrocephalus, after being diagnosed at just six days old.

When doctors told the 39-yearold and his wife, Debbie, that their unborn daughter had such a severe case and advised the couple to terminate the pregnancy, it made more sense in his mind than most parents.

The heartbreaking decision was made by Robert and Debbie in 2011 to terminate the pregnancy, with Debbie Jr’s quality of life likely to be hampered through the conditions.

Robert, a delivery driver, said: “Sadly our tiny daughter’s condition was so bad doctors advised us to terminate the pregnancy. My wife and I felt we had no option other than to take their advice because we realised her quality of life would have been dreadful.

“At 17 weeks Debbie’s labour was induced and she delivered our baby daughter.”

Spina bifida happens when a baby’s spine and spinal cord do not develop properly in the womb, causing a gap, while hydrocephalus is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain and affects its ability to function.

It can develop at any age but is most comment in young infants.

Following their heartache, the couple soon went on to have two healthy boys – three-year-old Finlay and Rory, two.

The boys, along with their late sister, have inspired Robert to take on a charity bungee jump at Killiecrankie in December as he decided he wants to give something back to charities which have helped him throughout his life.

As a baby, Robert was operated on and a shunt was placed inside his head to drain away the fluid.

He now has regular check-ups and will live with the condition for life.