Lauren's first birthday fundraiser

Lauren Mary was born prematurely on 17 March 2019. She subsequently spent over 200 days of that year in hospital, in both the NICU and paediatric wards, with severe feeding issues, respiratory issues, and recurrent bronchiolitis, as well as having hypotonia and profound bilateral hearing loss.

The hospital has, effectively, become our family's second home.

One thing that helped us survive was the kindness and generosity of almost all the staff we encountered. From the nurses and doctors to the consultants, cleaners, and baristas, we were remembered, seen, heard, and validated. I've cried in front of and even on more healthcare professionals than I care to count.

Lauren will turn one soon. Although she is as yet without a diagnosis, we feel confident that her future prospects continue to improve.

To mark her birthday, we would like to give back to the Wellington Hospital Foundation and the Neonatal Trust. The work these organisations do is truly remarkable. Any donation of any size would be appreciated very much.