Family raise money for World Prematurity Day
World Prematurity Day was recently marked at the Neonatal Unit at Heartlands Hospital and the Special Care Baby Unit at Good Hope Hospital, as 1,000 babies each year will require the services of these specialist units. Heartlands Hospital Charity is delighted to support the work of the incredible members of staff who work to protect vulnerable babies, many of whom are born prematurely.
Ellie Barr and Hassan Mockbill wanted to raise money to mark World Prematurity Day and to give something back to the Neonatal Unit at Heartlands who, in Ellie’s words: “Gave our son his life.”
Haris was born at 24 weeks and three days, and was cared for on the Neonatal Unit for the first 94 days of his life. Ellie said: “The Unit saved our son’s life. We were very lucky and appreciate everything that the staff did for Haris. The unit took time for us as a family, and guided us through our journey every step of the way.
“The staff are amazing and took their time to get to know us as a family. We wanted to give something back in return to help the unit and other families there. The neonatal unit will always be a part of our life.”
Haris still receives care from the Neonatal Community Outreach Team, who have recently received a car donated by Mercedes, organised by Heartlands Hospital Charity.
Ellie and Hassan set up a fundraising page to coincide with World Prematurity Day and, thanks to the generosity of their friends and family, raised a fantastic £1,021.
Sian Averill, Fundraising Manager at Heartlands Hospital Charity, said: “Our thanks go to Ellie, Hassan and their friends and family for raising so much money to support premature babies just like Haris who are treated on the unit here at Heartlands.
“The Charity is proud to provide ‘added extras’ to compliment the superb quality of care offered on the unit. Thanks to their family and friends, Ellie and Hassan have helped the Charity to go ‘over and above’ for vulnerable babies and their families.”
You can help to support vulnerable babies at Heartlands by clicking here.
Pictured above are staff from the Neonatal Unit with Ellie, Haris, Elias and Hassan.
