Fundraisers raise money for Neonatal Unit
A family have donated an astonishing £2167.54 to fund new neonatal equipment at Heartlands Hospital after the outstanding care they received there.
Rachel and Jez Booker welcomed their twins Max and Oliver on the night of March 22 2012. Rachel gave birth to the twins at Birmingham Women’s Hospital however the births had numerous complications. Rachel’s delivery to Max had to be assisted by forceps, however, Oliver (Oli) became stuck for nearly an hour.
Rachel was unconscious and was subsequently rushed into theatre for an emergency C-Section to get Oli out. Once he arrived, the staff informed his parents that he had suffered brain damage brought on by Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), in other words, oxygen deprivation. As there were no cooling mats at Birmingham Women’s Hospital, his parents were told that Oli would have to be rushed immediately to Heartlands Hospital in order to place Oli on a cooling mat to help reduce future impact.
It was 5 days until the boys were finally reunited and Rachel and Jez were able to hold their sons together as a family for the first time at Heartlands Hospital. Oli was able to come home at 9 days old.
Reflecting back on his experience, Jez said: “Rachel, myself and our family all have a huge amount to be grateful for as we were one of the lucky families. Around two to three in every 1,000 full-term births are affected by HIE with the impact on babies ranging from mild effect to complete loss of life. We believe that the cooling technology saved Oli’s life and he has grown up to show no symptoms of damage to his brain”
To say thank you to the Neonatal Ward at Heartlands Hospital all the family have taken part in fundraising to supply them with state of the art equipment that will help babies like Oliver. The money has been raised by Rachel’s brother, Matthew, taking part in the Dart River 10K swim, Jez running 10K and the Lichfield Twins Group that Rachel was a part in fundraising too.
Sian Avill, Fundraising Manager at Heartlands Hospital Charity said: “I cannot thank the family enough for the amount they have raised for the Charity! The money raised will make a huge difference to babies when they need cooling to reduce the risk of brain damage. Things like this are the ‘added extras’ that prove to be life-changing in the long run”.
If you would like to find out more about the Neonatal Unit at Heartlands or donate to the charity, please click here
