Two U.K. parents who welcomed their newborn into the world had no idea their lives would change just a few months later.
Conor Cross, 33, told Newsweek that he and Meredith Bradley, 31, thought the hardest part of their journey was behind them when they had their baby boy Reggie on September 28, 2024.
The pregnancy had been complicated -- marked by abnormal scan results; talk of possible termination; and a diagnosis of hypospadias, a congenital condition affecting the genitals.
But, after months of monitoring, Reggie was born "a normal baby," sleeping soundly, smiling and charming everyone he met.
Then, just before Reggie turned 5 months, everything changed.
Even before birth, Conor and Meredith knew he would need medical care. A raised nuchal translucency at the 12-week scan triggered a battery of tests, including a CVS, to rule out genetic syndromes.
Reggie was cleared but monitored monthly. By birth, he had not only hypospadias but also undescended testes -- raising the possibility he could have both male and female reproductive organs. Testing confirmed that he was genetically male.
Soon after, another hurdle appeared: a recurring inguinal hernia that led to frequent hospital visits, including spending Christmas Day in the emergency room.
Surgery in February 2025 to repair the hernia and bring down one testicle went smoothly, and Conor hoped his son's crying, discomfort and swelling would end.
But the problems didn't stop. "Reggie became unsettled, [he] stopped taking his milk and the swelling didn't improve," Conor said.
Reggie's eyes were swollen almost daily. The couple were desperate for answers, but doctors dismissed their concerns.
"The response was that they didn't know what they'd be referring him for," Conor said. "It felt like we were going in circles, trying to convince people that something wasn't right."
On March 1, after weeks of worsening symptoms, Conor pushed for further testing at Accident & Emergency (A & E).
Blood work finally revealed the truth: Reggie was in complete kidney failure. By the next morning, they were rushed to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London via ambulance.
At GOSH, doctors diagnosed Reggie with Stage V chronic kidney disease (CKD5). His kidneys were so damaged that they posed a cancer risk if not removed before his first birthday.
He was immediately placed on peritoneal dialysis, running from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily.
Further genetic investigation led to a diagnosis of Denys-Drash syndrome, a rare condition linking his kidney failure with other medical issues.
"Although emotions were high and we wanted answers, we had to let the life of our baby go into their hands," Conor said. "Anyone who knows GOSH knows that he is in the best place [but] even five months on, we don't know everything."
The hospital's support extended beyond Reggie's treatment. The family has received financial help, free accommodation, food vouchers and funding for a shed to store Reggie's medications.
Charities such as Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity and Kidney Care UK stepped in to make daily life more manageable.
Grateful for the care they received, Conor decided to give back -- by taking on a half marathon, despite never having run before.
"I wanted to do something that would be challenging," he said. "I also wanted to show people that, if there is something in life that you want to do, then do it. Life is too short, and time will not slow down just because Reggie is going through a difficult time."
Conor's first race will be the Chelmsford Half Marathon in October 2025, with a London Marathon spot secured for 2026.
Reggie, now nearly 1 year old but still in 3-to-6-month clothes, remains "the happiest boy ever," according to his dad.
Reggie faces the removal of both kidneys in September, followed by years of dialysis until he is big enough for a transplant at age 3 or 4.
Through his updates on TikTok (@conorruns), Conor hopes to reassure parents -- especially those facing medical uncertainty.
"Don't feel pressured into living up to other people's expectations," he said. Conor, who is now a single father, also wants other families in similar situations to know they are not alone.
"Mothers out there are just pure superheroes. For the dads, especially single dads like me, I want to inspire them by sharing my fitness journey."
"I thought running would have been something I did just to raise money for these amazing charities, but, in fairness, it has saved me from going down a dark path," Conor added. "Starting something new is the hardest part, but you will fully understand how helpful that one thing can be just by doing it."