Layla Henry 1 day old.

Layla Henry 11 weeks and 3days.

Original target was £500 and we managed to do that lets see if we can keep it going for SCBU.

Our daughter Layla Henry was born at Whiston Hospital, premature at 27 weeks 4 days and weighing just 2lb 9oz. Because she was struggling to breathe, she was rushed to the Special Care Baby Unit and placed on a ventilator. After that she spent 10 days in Royal Oldham Hospital, where she received respiratory support from CPAP and BiPAP machines.

Once Layla was stable enough she was transferred back to Whiston where she was put onto a Vapotherm Precision Flow System, which provides measurements of temperature controlled flow, oxygen delivery and humidity for babies whose tiny lungs need respiratory support. The Precision Flow operates without the discomfort of a nasal tube and gives parents better access to their babies for cuddles and bonding.

Layla is now 13 weeks old and thriving, gaining weight nicely each week and now weighs 7lb 1oz she is still currently on oxygen at home but is slowly being weened off.

Without the support, care and guidance from the SCBU staff, Layla and ourselves wouldn't be were we are now without the support they gave us through the difficult times not only whilst on the unit but also at home.

SCBU need help to be able to provide equipment, items of clothing and supplies such as nappies (tiny size) bottles and special baby milk (Nutriprem).

This money will go along way in being able to help other parents like ourselves and their poorly or premature babies. As people know this is something close to our hearts with having had 3 miscarriages and also a previous premature baby who unfortunately didn't survive due to chronic lung disease (undeveloped lungs).

The Special Care Baby Unit at Whiston treats over 316 premature or sick newborn babies like Layla each year from Prescot and St Helens.

Many thanks for your support.

Katy, Kieran & Layla