My younger sister Brogan was born by emergency caesarean 10 weeks premature, she weighed 2lb 11oz, it was a very tough time for the family, my mum, only 26 at the time couldn’t hold her newborn baby for days, I was young only 5 at the time, so didn’t really understand how tiny she was, she was just like one of my dolls, but I do remember not understanding why she couldn’t come home with us, and why she was being kept in a ‘plastic box’. Brogan stayed in hospital for weeks before finally being allowed to come home, and allowing me to be ‘big sister’.

We thought Brogan’s premature birth would be a one off, as I had been born at full term and healthy. But 9 years later, my younger brother Troy was born 14 weeks premature, weighing 1lb 10oz. I remember the day my mums waters broke, I was 14yrs old, and i knew that this was far too early. When he was born, I was taken to visit him at SCBU, I burst out crying, it looked impossible that he could survive, we was too tiny and frail, the wires coming in and out of him covered his body, his skin was transparent. I prepared myself for the worst, but the staff at SCBU were fantastic, they were always so positive, even when he was having ‘bad’ days, they looked after the whole family, their support was so important. Every day after school we would go and visit Troy, and slowly over 3 months he started to get stronger and stronger, until he was eventually allowed to come home. We had an oxygen tank fitted in the house, as he would require oxygen daily until he was stronger.  

Many years later I am pleased to say, both have grown up very healthy. Brogan is a 24yr old jet setter, who loves life, and embraces every day with a smile.

Troy is a 6ft tall 16year old who enjoys skateboarding, surfing, BMX and being a typical teenager. He hopes to join the Navy one day.

Without the care, expertise and support of Walsgrave Hospital’s SCBU, and Baby Lifeline, they wouldn’t be here to share in my life. I got married recently, Troy walked me down the aisle, and Brogan was bridesmaid. I feel very lucky to have the family I do and this is why I have chosen to donate to this amazing charity, after seeing how important the work they do is for not only the babies, but their families. The support they provide in training staff, research, and the equipment they donate to maternity wards, and SCBU’s around the country.

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