A New Reality: Mabli and Liwsi’s Story

01 September 2025

Mums Gwenno and Zoe tell us about their children, Mabli and Liwsi, both born with rare genetic conditions.

A New Reality: Mabli and Liwsi’s Story

01 September 2025

Mums Gwenno and Zoe tell us about their children, Mabli and Liwsi, both born with rare genetic conditions.

Zoe, Mabli, Gwenno and Liwsi on front of a bookshelf

Mabli and Liwsi are just 20 months old, both born with rare genetic conditions. Their mums, Gwenno and Zoe, met by chance while struggling to come to terms with their new ‘normal’. They felt so alone and had no idea what the future would be like.

When Liwsi was diagnosed at just 3 weeks old with not just one, but two rare chromosome disorders her parents’ world fell apart. Her diagnosis came with a lot of challenges which haven’t been easy for the family. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster and can be heart-breaking for her parents to watch.

At just over a year old, Mabli had to undergo an emergency brain scan. While it helped explain some of the challenges she faces, her parents are still waiting for answers which makes everything harder  – emotionally, mentally, and financially.

Our Journey Together

What Gwenno and Zoe needed was a friend – to listen and understand, to hold their hand and provide support and guidance. Just as they are now firm friends, they have also found a steadfast ally in Cerebra. They are not alone; we are with them every step of the way on their journey to overcome their challenges and discover a better life together.

Our Parent Guides have helped them to secure financial support; our Library Service has supplied sensory toys so that the girls can play and learn; our Sleep Advice Service is helping them to get a good night’s sleep, and our Innovation Centre is designing something very special so that the girls can have fun and explore the world around them.

“Finding Cerebra has truly been life changing. They not only offer practical help but also make you feel truly seen, understood, and supported. Cerebra has brought hope, connection, and so much happiness to our family.

From the very first contact, every single person we’ve spoken to has been warm, compassionate, and incredibly supportive. Mabli is the happiest little soul you’ll ever meet. She fills our days with so much love, laughter, and adventure – and keeps us very busy! It means the world to us that people believe in her potential and want to help her enjoy the things she loves”.

– Gwenno, Mabli’s mum

“Cerebra support families like ours through challenges we never thought we’d face. They make the impossible seem possible. 

We are so grateful to have found Cerebra who have always been so helpful and caring. Liwsi is the happiest little girl with such a cheeky personality. She lights up our world and we are so proud of Liwsi every day”.

– Zoe, Liwsi’s mum

Help families so they don’t have to navigate their challenges alone

By entering our Christmas Raffle, you can help us bring hope, connection, and possibility to those who need it most. Your support helps us provide the essential care and community that families desperately need, turning feelings of isolation into a sense of belonging and hope.

Share

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please donate

We rely on your generous donations to fund our vital research and services that improve the lives of children with brain conditions and their families.

HenryCrutches-02 (1200px)

Your amazing donations could pay for a set of light-weight crutches for a child to move around more freely.

Selection of books on Down syndrome, autism, ADHD and neurodiversity

Your kind donation could pay for a new library book to help parents understand their child’s condition.

Thomas playing with fibre optic lights

Your generous donation could pay for a new sensory toy for our toy library so a child can play and find joy.

Sleep Service

Sleep Advice Service

LEap

Legal Rights Service

Parent Guides

Parent Guides

Cerebra Innovation Centre

Cerebra Innovation Centre

Library

Toy and Book Library