Beauden Philip Turnbull

Beauden ('Beaudy' to Daddy) was born early on 25th February 2021. His due date was 22nd April. We thought we were experiencing a normal pregnancy until 23rd February, when Magda had early labour signs. Efforts were made to keep Beauden as a bump, but he was ready to arrive and did so only a couple of days later on the Delivery Suite at the RVI, with a Neonatal team on standby. He was a whopping 3lbs 11 ounces. 

As quickly as he arrived on that Thursday morning, he disappeared off to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) which would become his home until the 4th May, when he passed peacefully in our arms.

The 9 weeks and 5 days he was here, were some of the most difficult and testing times for us as parents. It was discovered that Beauden didn't have a hernia, instead he was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition - Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (CDM1). Because of his fight, he has not only saved his future brothers and sisters from the same condition, but has ensured existing family members are tested and monitored for complications associated with Myotonic Dystrophy. In his short spell he has done so much for others. 

He gave Mummy and Daddy the gift of time, time we spent loving every inch of him. We will carry him with us everywhere and nothing makes us prouder than to be Beauden's Mummy and Daddy.  We owe him so much. 

NICU was his home and home is found in people. We can't praise all the people who 'work' (which seems like such an inadequate word to describe what they do) on NICU enough. They were holding our hands every step of the way. No parent should have to face what we have, but if they do, people like those found on NICU should be there to guide them. 

Tiny Lives is the charity associated with NICU at the RVI (NICU is a regional unit, covering the North East and Cumbria, providing specialised care for premature and sick newborn babies). They do incredibly helpful and thoughtful things that mean as a parent all you need to worry about is your baby. Tiny Lives do a huge amount including paying for parking while your baby is on the unit, providing a lounge area stocked with food, providing 'Miniboos' for baby and parent bonding, as well as fund a range of specialist roles including those focused on babies and those that focus on parent support. This list isn't exhaustive, just the ones that have stood out to us on Beauden's journey. 

Thank you for any donation you're able to make in memory of Beauden. We and Tiny Lives appreciate you.

With love,

Beauden's Mummy and Beaudy's Daddy xxx

For more information please visit beaudenbrave.org