The Health Tree Foundation The Health Tree Foundation

Leo the lion does grrrr-eat for neonatal unit

A plea for gifts for Grimsby hospital’s neonatal unit has reached down under with donations travelling from as far away as America and Australia.

Proud parents Angela Allen and Stephen Douglas launched an appeal for gifts which would benefit babies being cared for on the unit, as well as their parents.

The couple launched the appeal as a way of saying thank you to the hospital staff who cared for their son Leo Douglas who was born at 29 weeks. The tiny tot, who weighed in at 2lb 2oz, had been suffering from intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). This is a condition in which the baby’s growth slows or ceases while it is in the uterine.

Angela said: “I experienced a difficult pregnancy and faced losing Leo on several occasions. When he was born he was taken to the neonatal unit where he received amazing care from the whole team. Stephen and I nicknamed him Leo the lion as he has been so brave.

“After Leo was born we went on a rollercoaster of emotions. Even at our bleakest of times the ward sister Emma Spicer and her dedicated team were always there to advise, console and comfort us. Looking back I didn’t realise how much they held my hand through the whole experience.”

She added: “We decided to launch a gift raiser in which we appealed to people to donate items that the unit needs. People from across the world including America and Australia have donated which is heart-warming and I cannot thank them enough.”

Donations have included baby carriers, premature nappies, clothing, baby wipes, breast feeding pillows and items for the family rooms such as games for siblings.  

Neonatal unit ward sister Emma Spicer said: “I just want to say a massive thank you to Angela and Stephen for their donations. The kindness people have shown in donating items has been overwhelming. They have thought of everything from essential baby items to games that can be used to keep the siblings occupied during their visits.”

Lauren Alexander, community champion for the Health Tree Foundation the official charity for Grimsby hospital said: “Thank you to Angela, Stephen and Leo and all of their supporters for their amazing donations. These extra items will provide comfort to families during their stay with us. The small things really do make the biggest difference.”

If anyone would like to fundraise for The Health Tree Foundation then please get in touch with Lauren Alexander on 03033 304514 or lauren.alexander@nhs.net

 

 

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