In October 2021 Emma and Ashley embarked on their IVF journey in the hope of blessing their family with a sibling for their daughter Ava. They were overjoyed to see the word PREGNANT on a test a few weeks later. Due to previous complications with their daughter (also born prematurely) the wonderful team at Peterborough City Hospital were closely monitoring every stage on the pregnancy.

On Friday 13th May Emma was admitted into hospital for monitoring where is became apparent that baby and mummy were not coping very well. It was subsequently decided that due to baby becoming increasingly distressed that baby needed to be delivered. Due to the gestation at just 27 weeks and 3 days, Peterborough City Hospital Neonatal Team would be unable to care for a baby at this age so Emma was taken by blue light ambulance to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital (whilst Ashley beat them to the hospital in the car!).

At 22:59pm on 14th May 2022, baby Theodore made his entrance into the world, weighing in at 1lb 7oz. The challenge was then to get Theodore strong enough in the coming weeks to transfer back to Peterborough City Hospital, where they could be closer to home and their daughter Ava.

There were many ups and downs, lots of challenges and obstacles to overcome, but after 68 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Theodore was finally strong enough to leave the hospital and return home.

This isn't Emma and Ashley's first experience with the incredible Neonatal Intensive Care team at Peterborough City Hospital, they also spent several weeks in the unit with their daughter Ava 10 years ago. Following this first experience, Emma then went to work at Peterborough City Hospital in the same unit where Ava was cared for as a nursery nurse, something that was incredibly important to her.

Emma and Ashley can not put into words how grateful they are for everything both Neonatal Intensive Care Units have done for their family; the support and love shown has been immeasurable and they will never be able to repay them.

Ashley had the idea that he wanted to raise money to buy some resources for the unit (rather than donate money as this will be swallowed up by the hospital and won't necessarily reach the unit) - a little something to say thank you for looking after Theodore - and the idea was born to do a sponsored cycle between the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital and Peterborough City Hospital, the journey that Theodore did.... so along with friends, family and anyone else that wants to join, we will be PEDALLING FOR THEO!

If you would like to get involved in the challenge Ashley would love the company - please email info@littlelanenursery.com