Party celebrates 'little miracles'

KATIE Collinson with daughter Florence Collinson and Kirsten Mitchell.

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A TEA party was organised to celebrate babies on Oldham's neonatal unit as part of World Prematurity Day.

Babies were given special printed vests to mark the occasion which read 'with love from Spoons', a charity which organised the gift-giving on Thursday, November 17.

The charity was set up to support parents and families of babies born requiring neonatal care at both Royal Oldham Hospital and North Manchester Hospital.

An Oldham family shared their story to coincide with the annual day of recognition.

Jared Philip Beever (1) was born at 28 weeks and four days due to a placental abruption, resulting in an emergency C-section delivery to save both him and his mum.

Issues

Weighting just 2lb 5oz, Jared spent 67 days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Royal Oldham Hospital.

Mum Emma O'Toole (34) said: "He had a few different issues while in NICU including sepsis, a hernia as well as two blood transfusions.

"Having Spoons there has been great for myself and my partner Will Beever (31).

"They are not doctors or nurses, they are parents who have been through the same thing.

"Having someone there to talk to is so reassuring and valuable.

"When you go home you are not alone because you have a baby group that you feel secure taking your little miracle to.

"Spoons is vital for the parents who have a baby in NICU - the support they give is exceptional.

"Jared is nearly 18 months old now. He is tiny for his age, but has a very big personality.

"He does get poorly quite a lot and has been on antibiotics quite a few times since he came out of NICU but he is doing everyone proud."

Progressing

The youngster was walking at 15 months and is progressing verbally, though he is unable to speak yet. He returned home on July 23 this year.

The neonatal unit provides round-the-clock care for newborns who are ill or born prematurely, which accounts for 15million babies worldwide each year.

Katie Collinson of Spoons said: "Our aim was to celebrate all babies born too soon and to also raise our profile on the units further for families that might require our help and support.

"We are committed to supporting family-centred care, improving family facilities and providing emotional and practical support to parents during the challenges of neonatal care and beyond.

"Our aim is to raise funds to improve family services and support while the baby is in hospital and help support the units to buy essential equipment.

"We also support parents after the baby has been discharged."

During the year, Spoons provides a makeover in the family room at the hospital, bath packs, Christmas presents and milestone cards.