Early in 2024, my brother announced he and his fiancee were expecting their first baby together! A little while into the pregnancy, we found out the baby had a heart condition and therefore it would be a high-risk birth, and baby would need to spend time in NICCU once born.

Fast forward to August. After 13 hours, Athena was born and needed immediate medical attention and was quickly taken into surgery. All went well and she was transferred to NICCU.

Due to some complications during labour, mum was still in hospital and too unwell to visit as much as she would have liked, and of course found it really difficult to not be able see her newborn baby.

We were lucky enough to be given on-site accommodation, facilitated by Cots for Tots, where my brother was able to stay extremely close by to support mum and be close to his new daughter.

Once mum was discharged, she too was able to join my brother in the onsite accommodation to be near their new baby.

Without Cots for Tots, an already extremely upsetting and stressful situation would have been so much worse.

The support, expertise and calmness of the team made the experience that little bit easier and made us feel slightly better about leaving our baby girl in NICCU for a while.

Now in 2025, Athena is a super smiley happy baby, who certainly has her savage, sassy moments, just like her sister!

We consider ourselves one of the lucky families, as we didn't have to spend too much time in NICCU and the hospital post-birth, so we can only imagine how heartbreaking it is to spend even more time here, when all you want to do is cuddle your baby and take them to their new home!

Without this service, families are exposed to an already horrible situation, so anything that can be done to lighten the load is incredibly important and should be cherished, to give unwell babies the care they need, and support the families need, to stay strong for their little ones.

The fact that Cots for Tots is directly related to The Grand Appeal makes this even closer to our hearts, as Athena will require ongoing support as she grows up, to ensure her heart condition stays under control.

All funds donated will be given directly to The Grand Appeal: Cots for Tots, as the skydive has been funded partially by my parents (Nana and Grandad) as a Christmas present, and myself (auntie Beth).

Hoping to be jumping out of the plane on Sunday 26th April!

Thank you in advance for any donations! <3

About Cots for Tots: https://www.grandappeal.org.uk/cots-for-tots/

The dedicated charity for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital.

Created in 2010 as a fundraising appeal, the cause received an overwhelming response, quickly bringing together a vast family of fundraisers.

One vision: to ensure every sick or premature baby from across the South West has access to the very best care, 365 days a year.

About The Grand Appeal: https://www.grandappeal.org.uk/the-grand-appeal/

Works tirelessly to transform the lives of children at Bristol Children's Hospital, funding groundbreaking medical equipment, vital facilities, and life-changing arts and play programs, all with the goal of providing world-class care for young patients and their families.

The Grand Appeal ensures that every child who steps into Bristol Children's Hospital receives the best possible care.