On the 28th June 2019, our darling son Raphael Petruzzelli was born at 2.42am, 16 weeks premature. Five days before, at 23 weeks and 2 days pregnant, I went into preterm labour. For five long days in hospital we were under the best care in Homerton hospital, trying everything to keep the pregnancy going another few days or (as we dared hope for) weeks. After five days of staving off contractions and so many tears, Raphael was born at 24 weeks exactly, crying straight away - which surprised us and the ten-or-so doctors and midwives in the delivery suite with us. 

Raphael was transferred to the hospitals NICU, and we finally got to meet him an hour later. So tiny, covered in wires and cannulas and lines and surrounded by beeping machines, but so perfect. For a week, Raphael did so well, overcoming infections, coming off various medications as his body got stronger. We fell into a routine of good-morning visits and days spent staring at this tiny, perfect little thing as he would stretch and kick and peep back at us. We laughed, apologising to the nurse, as he peed on her during a change, and we would always stay to say goodnight. 

During our stay in NICU, the hospital gave us a ‘Journey Box’ to start for Raphael. I’ve put a photo of the letter and contents below. It was such a kind gesture and means so much to us, and I know it has helped - and will continue to help - so many families who unfortunately have gone through, and will go through, the same as we are. 

After eight short days that felt like a lifetime, Raffy’s lungs failed, and although the doctors and nurses tried so many times to resuscitate him, our darling boy passed away on the 6th July 2019 at 11pm. We held him and sang to him as his wires were removed, and he fell asleep surrounded by so much love. 

Raffy's life was short, but it has taught our family so much. To never take things for granted, to just be so grateful for the things you have in the present, and to never assume that every new parent gets to bring their baby home. We were so lucky to have him; he will always be so very loved.  

As a thank you to all of the team at Homerton University Hospital NICU, we’re aiming to raise as much money as possible, so they can continue to help babies like Raphael, and families like ours, and so that they might help prevent other families going through what we have experienced. The unit looks after both premature and sick babies, and the money raised will go towards new equipment, staff training and improved services, as well as improving the facilities for families. 

Anything we achieve will never be enough to thank them for all they did for Raffy, and for us. 

Thank you for reading,

Addy, Fran & Raphael x

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