Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers' ex Talia reveals health update on son Oakley after gruelling seven hour surgery

The Sun

11-07-2025

GEORDIE Shore star Aaron Chalmers' ex Talia Oatway has given fans a health update on son Oakley after he underwent another surgery.
Their son Oakley has Apert Syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes fusion of the skull, hands, and feet bones.
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MTV star Talia opened up about her three-year-old son's gruelling seven hour hand surgery on social media, but the difficult they experienced when trying to fit a cannula.
On an Instagram Q&A, she told fans: "The operation for the hand went really well and the skin grafts went really well but getting Oakley to sleep and trying to put a canula in was quite a lot.
"The anesthetist came to see me the next day and said she understands why I don't want people on a ward trying to put a canula into Oakley because his veins are pretty much impossible.
"She basically said that she nearly had to cannulate on his head, which they've always avoided.
"Eventually they did get it in on his feet, he's got quite a lot of marks on his arms and feet.
"This happens with children and adults, when you've had surgery after surgery... your veins sort of become broken and very difficult to cannulate, which can be shocking in an emergency situation.
"She basically said I need to ask a consultant anesthetist to put a cannula in him and not a doctor on a ward."
One fans asked if Oakley would have more operations.
Talia replied and listed the surgeries that her little boy may need.
She said: "I honestly couldn't tell you as he's had a lot of emergency ones.
"From the top of my head will be - another hand surgery, fundo surgery, upper end endoscopy, cleft pallet, mid face surgery, teeth removed (this happen before midface surgery), a surgery for the skill which got removed last year due to infection and feet surgery."
Earlier this week, taking to her Instagram story, Talia posted a sweet image of Oakley and penned: "Today was a really hard experience with trying to get Oakley to sleep. (In theatre)
"He started to lash out at me which is understandable as he doesn't understand why we are here or what is about to happen at the time.
"We both got really upset and especially when the sleepy gas mask was on, he was fighting against me and the staff.
"I know he's getting older and more aware. With Oakley having autism it makes situations more difficult.
"Next time he will need a pre-med as it was far too much for me and him to deal with.
"He is a trooper today and is resting. Waiting for antibiotics through his canula."
Aaron and Talia welcomed Oakley into the world in February 2022.
Last week, Talia sparked concern after revealing their son couldn't stop being sick ahead of his crucial surgery.
She also previously took to Instagram to post a proud video of her son taking his first steps and shared an update with her followers.
Alongside the clip, she wrote: "Oakley has been using a walking frame for a few months now.
"He's had some shoes made for him as it's impossible to get shoes that fit his feet."
Fans rushed to comment on the upload, with one writing: "He's a legend. Well done Oakley."
Another said: "So emotional, what a little beauty, well done Oakley and to mummy!"
The former couple also share Romeo, four, and Maddox, three.
They got together in 2017 but split just months after Oakley's birth.
What is Apert Syndrome?
APERT syndrome, also known as acrocephalosyndactyly, is a rare disorder that is named after the doctor who first discovered it in the early 20th century.
It is a genetic condition and is caused by a mutation of the FGFR2 gene.
This affects how cells in the body - namely bone cells - grow, divide and die.
Children born with Apert syndrome have a characteristic appearance, which is caused by the bones in the skull and face fusing and not growing in proportion, according to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
It can increase a child's risk of hydrocephalus, which results in pressure building on the brain, and it can also cause Chiari malformation, where the base of the brain is squeezed.
Other complications include breathing difficulties and heart problems, which require life-long monitoring.
The condition is said to occurs in one in every 65,000 to 88,000 births and a child's outlook can vary greatly depending on the severity of symptoms
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