Little Margot, daughter to Jessica and James Mitchell was born at Heartlands Hospital exactly three months early at 28 weeks and two days, weighing in at a tiny 1lb and 10oz.

After Margot’s birth, she spent a further three months in hospital being closely monitored in both critical and special care. Margot was eventually discharged from hospital on her due date with the help of oxygen set up at home to support her little lungs and the neonatal community outreach team who regularly visited.

During her hospital stay she needed medical necessities such as an incubator, feeding tube, long lines, heat regulation, several blood transfusions, daily blood tests/gases, ventilation, high and low breathing support, x rays, heart/ eye/ brain scans, jaundice treatment, daily infection checks, physiotherapy and speech and language observations to support feeding.

Her parents were taught by the medical team how to care for Margot at home, learning new skills such as taking her temperature, tube feeding, changing a nappy without disturbing the wires surrounding her and so on.

Jessica said: “James and I had 24/7 access and could also ring up at any time. The staff got to know Margot and us as a family on a personal level and also included us in every decision made for her care. Every diagnosis, treatment and medication was discussed in great detail. Overall the estimated cost of Margot's treatment and equipment used is around £100,000 not including the support she is currently receiving as an outpatient with weekly visits from the Neonatal nurses and the oxygen and medication at home”

Saturday 17 November marked World Prematurity Day, inspiring the couple to raise funds to give back to the ward that cared for their little girl and many other little miracles in order to receive the best care they can.

James Said:  “£5 could buy three digital thermometers; £7.50 could pay for a probe to monitor the oxygen levels of a premature baby. £12 could buy a sterile breast pump set. £50 could buy two tube holders used to support baby's breathing while it's in an incubator. £100 could buy an incubator cover, baby nest and bumper to support the developmental needs of a premature baby. £500 could buy a reusable electronic breast pump to loan to Mothers. £15,000 will pay for an incubator, crucial in regulating the temperature of babies whose bodies are too small to keep themselves warm.

“Heartlands NICU and all the staff within the unit saved our Daughter and gave us the chance to become a family. I don't know how we could ever repay them for what they have done for us. It's been a tough journey one I am glad Margot will not remember but one we certainly will never forget. They will always have a special place in our hearts! Thank you”

Sabrina Hussaine, Fundraising Officer at Heartlands Hospital Charity said: “On behalf of the Charity I would like to say a huge thank you to the Mitchell family for raising an outstanding £1,219. The Charity aims to provide for babies and their families with the ‘added extras’ that they need to ensure that their stay on the ward is as comfortable as possible, without support from fundraisers such as Jessica and James, this would not be possible, thank you’.

For more information on the hospital charities ‘Newborns In Need’ Appeal, or to donate, please click here to help support families like the Mitchell’s.

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