Initially i was involved with the Keep Me Close Appeal after the company that I work for (Collaton Safety Management) agreed to Sponsor their t-shirts for their upcoming Sky Dive.
During the meeting with the fundraiser I realised very quickly I would like to participate in the Sky Dive myself and raise even more funds.
Witnessing first hand the accommodation provided for parents that have babies needing care in NICU I realised just how important this appeal is.
The Keep Me Close campaign is aimed at providing new and improved parental accommodation for the parents of babies they care for on the ward. The aim is to raise the £2 million it is going to cost to completely redevelop a new area of the hospital and provide the parents of the babies with that all important home from home with en-suite bedrooms giving the families the space and privacy that these times require, fully functioning kitchens to enable the parents to prepare nutritious meals assisting in the well being of the parents and washing machines to enable the parents to truly be able to survive away from home. They will also be able to provide family areas for the parents to be able to spend time with their families and, in particular, the other children of the parents.
I can't imagine how it must feel for the parents being faced with these difficult circumstances. I have been extremely lucky having 4 children and only ever needing to go into Transitional care for less than 24 hours with my twins. If I was ever put in their position I know I would want to be as close as I could at all times without feeling confined to small sleeping / cooking / relaxing areas. These parents don't even have their own bathroom, and the kitchen / dining area is extremely small with limited appliances etc.
Any donations would be much appreciated, however little, it all counts.
Thank you for taking the time to read.