On June 20th 2019, our beautiful twin girls were born at a gestational age of 23 weeks and 4 days. Esme Florence was born sleeping but her twin sister, Isla Jean, was admitted to the QMC Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where her long journey began. At date of writing, 20th October 2019, Isla is 4 months old and is still being cared for by the phenomenal staff on the unit.

Although resources and staffing are clearly stretched, the staffs’ love, dedication and talent is in abundance and they do everything in their power to ensure the best care for their tiny patients. We have lost count of how many people have been involved in Isla’s care but every single person is one of life’s true heroes.

For all parents, the journey is an emotional rollercoaster and for us this has been no exception. So far, Isla’s remarkable journey has included emergency bowel surgery at 10 days old to form a stoma; a PDA ligation (heart surgery); insertion of a broviac line; bowel reconnection surgery; numerous blood transfusions; liver problems; and laser eye treatment.

Although we will never be able to repay the wonderful staff for everything they have done for Isla and us as a family, we want to show our appreciation by fundraising to support the unit. Along with friends and family, we are planning lots of different fundraising initiatives, including sporting challenges, school fundraisers (including the creation of a CD) and a Halloween Party.

The staff at the Neonatal Unit are going to provide us with a list of items that they are in need of and all fundraising will go towards purchasing these.

Any support that people feel they can give will be greatly appreciated by ourselves and will be of huge value to the Neonatal Unit.

Thank you for reading our story,

Phil, Lucy and Isla x

Song for Neonatal: Love Echoes

Words of rhyme and reason, Our world entrusted to you. Unsung you’re life’s real heroes, A tower of sweet strength.

You picked us up when we fell, Our angel safe from harm. Giving us hope through dark nights.

Sadness can echo, but loves shines through all.

You threw the rope that saved us, From the crushing waves of dark seas. A burning love from small embers, The sacred heart of humanity.

We’ll skip the sun, run through the rain, Make lasting memories. You gave life to our love.

Sadness can echo, but loves shines through all.

(Thank you neonatal)