A Southsea couple are hosting a free family fun day to mark a year since their little boy was released from hospital after nearly dying from a brain injury caused by a rare infection.

Jordan and Jess Baines were left devastated when their son Fox suffered a stroke after being infected by mycobacterium tuberculosis which led to him suffering an “extremely rare” form of meningitis.

As a consequence, Fox suffered a slow progressing stroke causing him to lose his left side and have seizures. He also now has a lifelong brain condition, known as hydrocephalus, and needed brain surgery to drain excess spinal fluid safely into his stomach.

Fox’s ordeal, which began in May last year when he became unwell, left him needing intensive rehabilitation for his speech and physical difficulties. To help his recovery, Jordan and Jess have raised over £4,000 for equipment that will enhance his life.

Jordan previously said: “We very nearly lost Fox, as he spent five or so weeks in paediatric intensive care at Southampton General Hospital. The team there - against all odds - managed to diagnose him in just seven days, which is an incredible clinical achievement.

“We put our utmost trust in Fox's lead consultant and the team. They stayed up late referring to old text books because nobody could figure out what was going on with him, but they put the pieces of the puzzle together and saved him.”

To show their appreciation Fox’s parents want to fundraise for charities that played a crucial part in saving his life and those which supported the family through their darkest hour.

They are Friends of PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit Southampton Children's Hospital), which Jordan said of: “Words cannot express how we feel for this charity. Without them Fox wouldn't have been here, it's as simple as that.”

Ronald McDonald House became a “home away from home” where they slept for five months free of charge, with Jordan saying their “support and compassion allowed our family to be close to Fox everyday”.

Sophie's Legacy offered invaluable support for all the family, especially the couple’s three other “scared” children who needed numerous trips to Queen Alexandra Hospital for weekly blood tests and various monitoring after the illness Fox had “ripped through” the family. Meanwhile, The Child Brain Injury Trust offered expert help and support.

The family fun day to celebrate a year since Fox’s release will take place on Saturday (26 September) from 1.30pm to 5pm at the Havelock Community Centre, Fawcett Road, Southsea. There will be stalls and representatives from all the charities along with a host of activities.

Jordan said: “Come down and join in with the family fun There's loads to do with free entry and a small charge for activities. We have a bouncy castle, ball pit, second-hand shop, face painting, temporary tattoos, crafts, comic book workshop, lucky dip game, summer fete style games, cupcakes, refreshments, charity stalls, music, and a mega awesome raffle supported by local artists and businesses.

“The event will mark one year post-discharge after Fox's five-month stay in the hospital following critical illness with tuberculous meningitis, stroke, and hydrocephalus. Come celebrate Fox and these amazing charities.

“There will be opportunities to win ticketed goodies supported by local, national and international artists and creatives and wonderful local businesses along with family games and activities.

“So if you can make it in person please visit us on the day and donate generously if not use this online fundraiser to make a digital donation to these charities.

“We cannot wait to celebrate Fox and the amazing charities that have and continue to support us, you and all the families that unexpectedly one day depend on them.”

Speaking of Fox’s progress, Jordan said: “Fox is continuing in making his recovery and doing very well. We have had a few wobbles as expected but all things considered our superhero is doing very well.

“He has started pre-school which is a massive milestone. He's started improving on his walking and developing all those lost signals on his left side caused by the stroke.”

Jordan said: “We hope you understand and gain a little insight to why we are fundraising for these four incredible charities.”