Aria’s story told by mummy…

Around Christmas time 2022 I caught the flu and was feeling pretty rough, come Boxing Day evening my waters suddenly broke and I got transferred from Royal Berks hospital in Reading to John Radcliffe in Oxford due to being only 26 weeks pregnant. Even after having the flu vaccination it still caused early labour, something we were not aware that could happen. I had 2 sets of steroid injections to help mature Aria’s lungs in preparation for early labour. 5 days later I started getting contractions and within 20 minutes I was rushed to theatre as her cord had prolapsed and she was breach. I was put under general anesetic to have a cesarian as Aria was stuck in my birth canal so they had to do further surgery on my uterus to make incisions to be able to get her out as quick as possible.

At 5.06pm she was born crying, breathing all by herself, they were surprised how well developed she was for a 26 weeker.

A week later we were transferred to royal berks in Reading where she had 2 really good weeks until she developed a serious infection called NEC. We were then rushed back to John Radcliffe for her to be treated. 2 weeks later after swerving surgery, receiving a course of antibiotics, lumber punctures, blood transfusions and lots of other tests she finally came out of NICU and back to Royal Berks where she spent another month until she was well enough to be discharged home.

Whilst being at John Radcliffe there was a brilliant support charity called SNAPP who help parents with accommodation, emotional support and endless amounts of gifts and treats to brighten your day. We would love to give something back to that amazing charity by running the Oxford half marathon and raising as much as we can for them. Being a ‘NICU parent’ really puts in perspective how amazing everyone involved in the journey is. And how babies are a lot stronger than you think! We would love if you could sponsor us to help us help them continue the amazing support they provide ❤️

When newborn babies need specialist, often lifesaving, medical care at birth it can be a traumatic and difficult time for parents and families.In 2023, SSNAP will be celebrating 41 years of supporting parents and their premature sick babies at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford - providing both emotional and practical support, 365 days a year, being a life-line at a time when parents need us most.We fund essential medical life-saving equipment, research, and support the amazing NHS staff on the neonatal unit with training and study days, to enable them to continue to provide the very best of care.Please join our amazing 'SSNAP Superhero Oxford Half Marathon team,' and help us in our appeal to raise £100,000 for SSNAP.By running for SSNAP, you will be joining not only the best team in town, but will be helping make a difference for over 1000 babies and their families that we support each year, from across Oxfordshire and the UK