We are raising funds for Burnley NICU through Hattie’s Holly Jolly Fundraiser, a festive Christmas event dedicated to supporting the incredible staff and families at the unit.

We know that many people would love to contribute but aren’t able to attend the event in person. That’s why we’ve created this page — a place for friends, family, and kind-hearted supporters near and far to join us in making a difference.

Your generosity means the world to us and to the tiny lives cared for at Burnley NICU. Thank you for being part of Hattie’s journey and spreading a little Christmas kindness.

“Hattie's NICU Story”

Harriet completed our family on the 17th of June, 2025.

After those precious first cuddles and moments of getting to know each other, the midwives began to express growing concern about her temperature and breathing.

Just after midnight, Hattie was taken to the NICU. We were told we could visit once she was stabilised, but the wait felt endless. We felt helpless and scared, watching the hours pass without her in our arms.

Alongside the unexpected diagnosis of Down’s syndrome, Harriet was also born with a condition causing “sticky blood,” which made it extremely difficult for her to breathe. On day two, she was ventilated. That same day, she underwent a partial blood transfusion, where some of her blood was replaced with saline. Sadly, a clot formed during this procedure.

To make things even harder, Harriet also developed severe sepsis. She spent more than two weeks on antibiotics, fighting with every ounce of strength she had. We were living hour by hour in the NICU — desperate to be with her each day, yet overwhelmed with anxiety about what the next update might bring.

Through it all, our families were an incredible support, helping us cope and looking after our little boy, Felix, as we navigated this new reality. Felix came to visit his baby sister when he wanted to, which was so important for us. But, being little himself, he would quickly lose interest and need something to play with. Unfortunately, many of the toys and books in the family room were worn out or broken.

As a thank you for the outstanding care, compassion, and love the NICU team gave to our family, we would love to give something back. We want to help improve the experience for other families — and for siblings like Felix — during their time in NICU.