Ronald McDonald House Charities UK provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation to families with children having treatment in hospital.

Our son Thomas was born over 3 months early (a “26 weeker”) and spent 101 days in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) across 3 different hospitals. At his most vulnerable, he spent his first weeks of life on life support in NICU at Arrowe Park hospital on the Wirral.

These early days can only be described as traumatic for our family and incredibly distressing, but we could not have got through it without the support of the Ronald McDonald House Charity who provided us with accommodation support in the same hospital Thomas was treated so we could be with our son. Those months were filled with uncertainty and despair but also hope he’d survive.

Thomas is now a thriving 3 year old and an incredible big brother. We truly believe this is a result of the compassion and exceptional care provided by Arrowe Park NICU and the Ronald McDonald House Charity.

I will be raising money for the Ronald McDonald House Charity on Saturday 4th July by taking part in a sky dive.

We experienced something no parent ever imagines facing. During that time, being close to him meant everything. Charities that provide accommodation for parents in or near the hospital make an unimaginable situation just a little more bearable, allowing families to stay together when it matters most. I’m raising money to support this vital service so that other parents going through the same experience can be just steps away from their baby, rather than miles apart. If you’re able to donate, no matter how small, it would mean so much to families navigating some of the hardest days of their lives.

Ronald McDonald House Charities help over 6,000 families each year and now, more than ever, they need your support. Thank you.