Story
As parents and grandparents, to be given the news that your unborn child could have some complications with its health, and you need to consider your options, can be very upsetting. As some of you may or may not know, before Sammy and George’s little miracle, Finley Trevor Hobbs was born, George and Sammy hit a few bumps in the road with their pregnancy. At 8 weeks pregnant, they had an early pregnancy scan. They saw a strong heartbeat and were able to see their growing baby. After two positive midwife appointments and an early pregnancy scan, Sammy and George couldn’t wait to see how much their baby had grown at 12 weeks. During their 12 week scan, the sonographer noticed there was a possible abnormal finding. At this point, the words ‘there could be some complications in your pregnancy, so you will need to discuss and consider your options for further testing and if you are going to continue or terminate your pregnancy’ stunned them. Three days later Sammy and George were referred to St Michael’s hospital in Bristol, which is where some of the toughest decisions of their life were made. With the support of the incredible team at St Michael’s, they made the decision to have a test where a large needle was inserted through Sammy’s tummy and placed into her placenta to take a sample of cells. This procedure carried a risk of miscarriage, preterm labour or limb defects; however, determined if their baby had any chromosomal abnormalities or other genetic defects - some of which could affect baby’s life expectancy. George and Sammy also had their bloods taken to check for any genetic defects and neural tube defects. The following two days felt the longest 48 hour wait, until they received a phone call from the team at St Michael’s, letting them know their baby BOY didn’t show any signs of chromosomal abnormalities! Sammy and George then waited another 2 weeks for the results of any other genetic defects or neural tube defects, which all came back clear. Sammy and George were under the care of St Michael’s for another 8 weeks, to continue monitoring their baby boy, his growth, development and detection of any heart problems. Now sitting and playing with their perfect son, Sammy and George thank the incredible staff at St Michael’s so much for their support and direction throughout their pregnancy. They listened to their concerns regarding the tests and worries about their baby as well as making them feel that no question was a silly question. The staff were nothing short of amazing. For this reason, George and Troy (Sammy’s Dad, who works for MEMO - a Clinical Engineering organisation within United Hospital Bristol and Weston) are going to be pushing themselves to their limits, cycling 309 miles from London to Paris, raising money for a charity now so very close to all of their hearts. George and Troy will be cycling on behalf of The Grand Appeal in aid of Bristol Children’s Hospital and St Michael’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, raising funds for vital medical equipment, specialist staff and family accommodation, to support babies, their children, and their families during an incredibly difficult period. As a family, Sammy, George, Troy and Paula (Sammy’s Mum) would be so grateful for your support in donating, however big or small, to this incredible cause and supporting George and Troy on their cycling journey starting at Greenwich Observatory on Wednesday 8th June 2022, finishing four days later at the Eifel Tower.
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