I would like to raise money for the Aberdeen neonatal unit to say thank you for the care and support they gave to my baby Harriet and myself.

Here is our story:

Harriet was born with a rare condition called an exomphalos major where some of her organs were growing up the umbilical cord. Harriets bowl, stomach and liver were on the outside when she was born. This is a very rare condition which affects 1 in 10,000 babies.

I first found out about Harriets condition at my 3 month scan. I then had a series of tests done as a lot of the time an exomphalos is associated with genetic issues, thankfully all these tests came back negative.

Harriet was born on the 6th of August which was 3 weeks before her due date, by a planned c section. I was told to be prepared for Harriet to be very poorly. She then spent 3 weeks in intensive care and 2 weeks in high dependency at Aberdeen neonatal.

Fast forward to 2 months old and she is now thriving. The exomphalos has now reduced quite considerably by using only compression bandages and manuka honey dressings. She will be operated on later in life to have the muscle closure surgery.

I cannot thank the staff at Aberdeen neonatal and the children’s hospital enough! you guys really became family to me when we were in. 🌈❤️