In February 2019, Louise’s waters broke at 24 weeks gestation. She was rushed to Princess Anne Hospital from Basingstoke with a view that if and when our baby arrived, it would have the best chance of survival being cared for in NICU. One week later the decision was made for an emergency c-section and Luca was born weighing 1lb14oz. 

Luca was in Hospital for 130 days, had 8 blood transfusions, 1 heart operation and numerous ups and downs along an incredibly emotional journey. The care we received as a family was simply invaluable and just saying “Thankyou” doesn’t seem enough. That’s why we are hoping to raise a large amount of money to help support more sick babies and get them home to start their lives with families as soon as they are strong enough to do so. 

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit which provides specialist care to sick term and pre-term (premature) newborn babies.The state-of-the-art facility is located at the Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton. This has 37 baby cots, 23 intensive/high dependency cots and 14 special care cots.It is one of the largest neonatal units in the country treating around 900 babies each year, from Southampton, Poole & Bournemouth, Chichester, Dorchester, Basingstoke, the Isle of Wight, Salisbury, Winchester and the Channel Islands.Babies have survived as young as 23 weeks, with some of them only weighing 460g/1lb. Picture a baby smaller than the size of your hand. Imagine the skill needed to care for and treat something that size.Money raised could go towards new equipment, more resources for families, improvements to parent facilities or additional staff training. All of which could help to improve the unit even further, ensuring babies and families receive the best care possible.