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Talia Oatway, ex-partner of reality star Aaron Chalmers, has revealed the devastating health battle her three-year-old son Oakley is facing. In a deeply emotional post shared on Instagram, Talia explained that Oakley, who was born with Apert Syndrome, has already undergone 20 surgeries, marking a turbulent and painful journey for the young boy.
Oakley, who was diagnosed with Apert Syndrome at birth, a rare condition that affects the skull, hands, and feet, has been in and out of surgeries since he was born. The condition, as described by the NHS, causes bones in the skull and limbs to fuse together prematurely, leading to a range of physical challenges.

Aaron Chalmers’ ex, Talia Oatway, has revealed their son Oakley, three, has had 20 surgeries as she shared a heartfelt post to Instagram on Wednesday
Reality star Aaron, 38, welcomed Oakley, three, with Talia, 33, (pictured) in 2022, and he was diagnosed with Apert Syndrome at birth – ‘a type of complex craniosynostosis’
Talia, in a heartfelt Instagram update, spoke about the emotional toll of being a “medical family” and how Oakleyâs continuous surgeries have taken a toll on both her and her son. She shared that it has been a particularly hard week, and despite the challenges, she remains committed to supporting Oakley through every hospital visit.
âI speak so highly of psychology, I still have mine even now. Every hospital stay is more trauma I have to overcome,â Talia wrote. âItâs okay to cry and itâs okay to be angry. It doesnât mean we arenât coping. Us medical families are doing our best.â
As the weeks go by, Talia admitted the strain is becoming overwhelming. She explained that communicating with Oakley, who struggles to express himself, can be difficult, and every small change or sign he gives can lead to more hospital visits.
âIâve had to learn any change, any sign he gives me can have an impact on my son being in hospital resulting in another operation,â she said. âThe medical world isnât for the faint-hearted. Living in constant fear.â
Talia also reflected on the lack of support from her ex-partner Aaron, claiming he has âzero interestâ in Oakleyâs health and does not attend appointments or hospital visits. She revealed that she often finds herself parenting alone, managing Oakleyâs condition alongside her other children.
Taking to her social media, Talia explained that it had been an ’emotional week’ as she posted a heartfelt update to social media
âI do solo parent two of my children. Oakleyâs here every single night, he has been for over a year, and the fact that this person can just go online and start talking about his medical care, which he has zero interest in, is mind-blowing,â Talia shared.
Despite the intense challenges, Talia expressed that her sonâs resilience is a source of inspiration. â20th surgery for a 3-year-old… you are my inspiration,â she wrote in a post that was filled with love for Oakley.
Earlier in August, Talia opened up in an Instagram Q&A, revealing that Oakley may soon need a wheelchair due to complications from his condition. She shared the heartbreaking reality of her sonâs struggles, including the pain caused by the bones in his feet, which might require surgery in the future.
“Ah thank you, he will only walk outside for a very very short time. At home he walks more,” she added. “The bones on the bottom of his feet are becoming more prominent, which is where I need to keep an eye on. A lot of Apert children require feet surgery and depend on wheelchairs at times.”
Taliaâs brave and candid posts have left many fans in awe of her strength as she continues to care for Oakley through his medical battles. Despite the ongoing emotional strain, she remains hopeful and dedicated to her sonâs care, sharing his progress with her followers and showing the reality of being a single parent in such a challenging situation.
Fans have flooded Taliaâs social media with messages of support, praising her for her resilience and strength, with many commenting on how inspiring her journey with Oakley is.
As Oakley continues to fight his battles, Taliaâs journey highlights the courage, strength, and unwavering love that parents show when faced with the toughest challenges.


