£1,060 Raised for UHNM’s Neonatal Unit in Memory of Laura

The idea to raise funds for UHNM’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit came from a tragic event in one family’s life. This is Laura’s story.

Laura, aged just 23, lived with her partner John on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent. Full of life and excited to become a mum for the first time, everything was going well until week 20 of her pregnancy, when she developed pre-eclampsia and needed an emergency operation to deliver her daughter, Bree.

Bree was born weighing 2lb 2oz and received specialist care in the Medway Premature Baby Unit. Thanks to the incredible care she received, Bree began to thrive, and after a month in hospital, Laura and John were finally told they could bring her home.

That day, the young family FaceTimed relatives to share their joy and talk about their plans for the future. Later that same day, while visiting Laura’s parents, she suddenly complained of pain in her leg and collapsed. Despite CPR being performed immediately, Laura showed no signs of life.

After two weeks on life support, Laura sadly passed away. Doctors discovered she had suffered a massive blood clot to her brain. In her final act of generosity, Laura’s organs were donated, saving three lives through transplant.

In her memory, family and friends decided to raise money for neonatal care - the same kind of specialist support that helped Bree survive. Substantial funds were first raised for the Medway Premature Baby Unit, and later, £1,060 was raised for UHNM’s Neonatal Unit through a bike ride and a collection outside the theatre.

Laura’s grandparent said: “Bree is now nine months old and absolutely thriving. Laura is gone and sadly missed, but never forgotten.”

If you would like to fundraise for UHNM Charity, register your interest here: uhnmcharity.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise-for-us or call 01782 676444 to speak with a member of the UHNM Charity team.