After four years of IVF PGD. We had finally learned the exciting news, we were going to be parents. On the 4th of November 2019 our dream came true. Our baby boy Thomas was born at 10.24am weighing 8.4lb.

When Thomas was born everything seemed fine, he did a big healthy cry and was taken away by the nurse to be weighed. The nurse wrapped him up and brought him over to meet us, at this point we started to notice something was wrong. Thomas was struggling to breathe and was quickly taken away to be given some oxygen, the anaesthetist said this was quite common so we tried not to worry while the doctor was called to check him over. The tone in the room quickly changed as all the happy chatter stopped and everyone's tone became serious. He was then whisked away to the special care baby unit.  

After returning to the ward we sat and waited to hear what was going on, the doctor came through and explained. They said they were gravely concerned for Thomas, he had rare heart condition called Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venus Return. Thomas's veins had formed on the wrong side of his heart and the oxygenated blood wasn't getting pumped around his body, meaning there was a build-up
of oxygen in his chest and no oxygenated blood going to his organs. 

We were given a choice, take away the life support and let him pass away in our arms or we could try to get him to Glasgow for the lifesaving surgery that he needed. There was still hope for Thomas so we had to try everything to get him to Glasgow.

A specialist team flew up from Glasgow.  They managed to stabilise
Thomas.  Then they organised for a Thomas to be transported to Glasgow by air. 

The hospital arranged for a police car to blue light Robert to Glasgow
as there was no space on the plane. Robert made it as far as Perth when he got the call, Thomas wasn't going to make it and they were turning the plane around to bring him back to us. 

Thomas arrived back on the ward.  Robert arrived back shortly after. Thomas had passed away. We both held him and we were utterly heart broken.  We thought that we would have to soon let
Thomas go, which was very difficult as we had only just got to hold him. At that point we were taken to the Simba room at the end of the maternity ward. In the room there was a cot. The nurse explained that this cold cot would allow us to keep Thomas with us. There was also a double bed in the room which allowed Robert to stay with me and Thomas.  It was a big relief as we didn't have to let go of Thomas that night and we could all stay together as a family. The nurse then took in a memory box. At this point she explained that the room, cold cot and memory box have been supplied from a charity called Simba. 

The following morning, we opened the memory box. There were two identical knitted squares.  The sentiment behind this was that we took one square and we give the other square to Thomas. Then when the time came to let Thomas go, we would swap the knitted squares. There was also clay and ink hand & foot print kits. We now have imprint of his hands and feet forever and it’s very precious to us. There was also a tea light candle holder.  We now light a candle in his memory every night at home. There were two identical charms one of which we laid on his chest so we knew he would always be on the other side of the one we kept. There was a certificate of acknowledgement of his birth which we filled in and kept. There were  two little hand knitted Teddies which we gave to Thomas to have with him. 

Without the cold cot we would not have had the opportunity to spend time with Thomas.  Without the memory box we would not have created precious memories.  Without the Simba room it would not have been possible to spend the short time together as a family.  

But Simba needs our help. They are trying to raise £85,000 to renovate Simba rooms in Raigmore Hospital. At the moment the current Simba room is outdated and is currently situated at the end of the maternity ward.  This means that while bereaved parents are staying in the room they can hear other babies crying on the ward, which can be difficult. It can also be difficult for family that are visiting as they have to walk through the maternity ward before they get to the Simba room. 

Robert and his cousin Michael are going to take on the three Peaks Challenge to raise much needed funds for Simba and to honour the memory of Thomas. We had planned to take on the three peaks in 2020.  But we had to postpone due to the pandemic.  We have trained hard for the last 6 months and we are now taking on the three peaks on the 13th of August. 

The challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales, within 24 hours.

The total walking distance is 23 miles (37km) and the total ascent is 3064 meters (10,052ft) and the total driving distance is 462 miles (10 hours).

The Three mountains are:

• Snowden, in Wales (1085m)
• Scafell Pike, In England (978m)
• Ben Nevis, In Scotland (1345m)

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.