Our baby boy was born when I was only 25weeks pregnant: barely showing a pregnant belly, far from prepared or ready practically, physically or emotionally.

From shock came trauma, then endurance and autopilot mode for weeks. Our family life was turned upside down overnight, I had to live in hospital away from my little girl, my husband, family & friends.

Each day we faced doctors rounds, medical information, warnings, fear and helplessness. Machines and their noises were traumatic and a yet a comfort all in the same day. Nurses became friends and the only people around. The ward was like living in a nightmare but became home.

Our boy dealt with constant, continuous and repetitive pokes, prods, pain, checks, scans, repositioning, lights, darkness, goggles, masks, needles, cameras, drugs, surgeries, invasion, being alone and being overwhelmed.

Our boy was incredible. He fought. He breathed. He made it.

We were blessed.

1 in every 7 babies born in the UK will need specialist care.

Bliss is the leading UK charity for babies born premature or sick. They rely on donations to fund their work, and without our help they won't be able to reach the 90,000 babies needing neonatal care each year.

Your donation to this page will help Bliss to support neonatal care, to ensure that the needs of babies are at the heart of policy and planning for the future, and to provide information and support to all families with a baby born premature or sick.