To mark Carter & Cleo turning one, we would love to raise as much money as possible for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Royal Stoke.

Being pregnant with twins we knew it was probably not going to be plain sailing, but honestly nothing prepared us for when we were told they needed to be delivered 6 weeks early due to blood flow issues to Carters placenta and he was only estimated to be around 3lb.

One part that truly breaks my heart to this day is not being able to have held our babies when they were born. Both of them needed assistance with their breathing and needed to be taken to nicu. Not that long after they were born, instead of keeping me in recovery I was wheeled up so I could see our babies for the first time, which was so kind of them! The next day when we got to hold them for the first time the nurses made us cards with the date & snuggles with mummy & daddy on which was so thoughtful! These are just a couple of the things that mean so much. To know that you have one nurse with your baby 24 hours a day is so reassuring. Even though we were all in hospital, Carter was mostly in nicu & Cleo was in transitional care with me, it may seem crazy but between feeds it was so hard to split our time equally betwen the two of them, so after 10 long days when we were all reunited and together at long last it was truly the most amazing day ever!

It was without a doubt the hardest time of our lives. Nothing prepares you for when a baby or two or maybe even three comes early or very poorly. The consultants, doctors, midwives & nurses are all truly amazing! The care & support we received was the absolute best & we will never forget how lucky we are to have two healthy, happy, beautiful babies.

There are so many wonderful stories on the ward of all the tiny little miracles, some born under 1lb in weight who spend months in hospital. Last year the nurses were planning a party for the families still in hospital over Christmas, we were lucky enough to be home just before Christmas but it would be lovely if we could help with something like this this year for the families going through such a difficult time.

Carter & Cleo will be sending big, fat slobbery, teething kisses to anyone generous enough to donate to this wonderful local cause!