Parents of a heroic 2-year-old speak on his ongoing battle and triumph, with a rare condition that affects babies’ skull growth in the womb.

Taye Cruz Fernandes-Gartside underwent a gruelling yet successful operation, recovered and is now going to nursery – embracing a normal life, despite the risks of the ‘not widely recognised’ condition - Craniosynostosis.

Craniosynostosis is a birth defect in which the bones in a baby's skull join together too early, before the brain is fully formed.

Immediately after his birth Taye's parents, Marcia, 44, a personal trainer and nutritional coach and Ben, who dances for Royal Ballet, knew something was not right.

Wimbledon Times:

Speaking to Wimbledon Times, Marcia and Ben say they could see that their son appeared to have a 'cone' shaped head which is an indicator of Craniosynostosis.

His parents were told that if left untreated, Taye ran the risk of a serious brain impairment – affecting his motor and sensory faculties as brain pressure increases with his growth.

The months ahead were not easy, as Taye was unable to undergo an operation until he gained a substantial amount of weight.

But, at ten-months-old he was finally able to have the procedure which his parents say immediately made a marked difference to the shape of his head.

Wimbledon Times: After surgery Taye had a swollen eye as surgeons had to adjust the area in the process of opening his skull sutures (which failed to open properly during pregnancy).After surgery Taye had a swollen eye as surgeons had to adjust the area in the process of opening his skull sutures (which failed to open properly during pregnancy).

To date, Taye still has a very large hole and scar on his head, which is mostly covered by his hair and is not visible. It is also quite soft making this area vulnerable.

His parents say he has continued to progress and flourish with the help of his nursery Fennies in Wimbledon.

“As of 2021, Taye is still experiencing speech and developmental delays but is starting to speak his first words and his motor skills have improved, with the help of physio and work at his nursery," said his mother Marcia.

"He still requires various check-ups throughout the year but our hope for the future is that our little boy will be like any other boy.”

Wimbledon Times: @taye_cruz@taye_cruz

She added: “Little is known about Craniosynostosis or its causes which makes it ever more important to raise awareness around.

"Although craniosynostosis can be genetic (but in Taye’s case it is not), we would like to think the medical community can start to look out for its potential during pregnancy.

"We’re grateful to the Great Ormond Street Hospital, and Chelsea & Westminster Hospital who have been instrumental in Taye’s care – and most recently, Fennies Nursery for helping his brave journey so far."