Thank you for taking the time to read this and giving us the opportunity to tell you Finley’s story, a story that was cut short, far too soon.

Our beautiful little boy Finley Tomás Minnis was born 12th September 2023. He was born premature whilst we were on holiday in Portugal, 14 weeks early and weighing just 670g (1.5lb). As Finley arrived so early and was so little, he was cared for by the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) in Faro hospital, who were just phenomenal.

The amazing team of doctors and nurses helped us to create a wonderful bond with our son. Helping to wash and change him, regularly holding him in Kangaroo (skin-to-skin contact when a baby is placed against the parent's chest) and spending a lot of time getting to know our wonderful little boy and watch his feisty personality blossom.

At just 6 weeks old Finley passed away in our arms. His fight to stay with us became harder, and it was too much for his little body to contend with. We are heartbroken. We know he fought so hard to give us those 6 weeks together; he was and is, our little warrior. We are so grateful for the team at Faro hospital for giving us this time together and creating such special moments for us.

The time we spent doing Kangaroo with Finley was so very special to us, and was so important to building the bond between us. It was our opportunity to show our little boy just how much he was loved and he was never fighting alone. But for many, it may be hard to comprehend all the challenges that the parent and nurse need to overcome, just to be able to hold your premature baby. They are so small, and they have tubes and wires to help them breathe and monitor all their vitals, and these need to be so carefully supported and manoeuvred.

So, this leads us to why we are fundraising. We want to keep Finley’s memory alive by raising funds for the NICU at Faro hospital. The doctors and nurses became part of Finley’s family. Their love, care and resourcefulness were truly heartwarming. However, some of the equipment specifically for Kangaroo and parent baby bonding is in need of upgrading and they do such good work, that we want to make it that little bit easier for them. So, we want to help the NICU purchase new equipment to help make the Kangaroo set up easier and safer for both the parent, baby, and staff - new chairs, cushions & arms for holding the tubes and wires, and vests for supporting the little ones. Anything we can do to help future parents and babies build the same bond that we were lucky enough to have.

If you could give a donation, we would be so appreciative. We have set an initial target of £5000 and if we can exceed that, then even better. All donations will go directly to the NICU ward.

Thank you, Louisa & Chris