Melissa Kelly from Telford has signed up for the Chester Marathon to thank Lister Hospital’s neonatal unit for their care when she went into early labour while visiting friends in Hertfordshire.

Melissa was three hours away from her home and only 29 weeks pregnant when she went into labour on 28 October 2024. She was taken to Lister Hospital in Stevenage and gave birth, via emergency c-section, to Henry, who weighed just 2lb 15oz.

Henry was rushed into neonatal intensive care where he was looked after for nine days before he could be transferred to Melissa’s local hospital in Telford.

Melissa said: “After two days of being on the neonatal unit, we were able to finally cuddle our little boy. He was covered in wires and attached to several machines and syringes just to keep him alive. He was also receiving breathing support. We were three hours away from home with no idea when Henry would be strong enough to return home.

“I was welcomed with open arms into the neonatal unit and thanks to the charity, there are recently refurbished bedrooms where parents can stay if their child is on the unit. There are tea and coffee facilities along with cereal and biscuits. There was also a parents’ lounge where you could escape for a short while from the constant beeping that would become ingrained in your mind. When you are far from home with nothing, these things mean the world.

 

“Henry was nine days old when we finally received the news that he would be transferring to our local hospital in Telford. The staff at both Lister and Telford hospitals had worked so hard to get us back and it was finally happening.

“I would like to extend my deepest thanks for all of the emotional and physical support the neonatal unit team were able to give Henry and me during that extremely difficult time. I am so immensely proud of our little fighter and so grateful to all of you for making the start of his life so well supported.”

Eloise Huddleston, charity director said: “It must have been very frightening for Melissa to not only go into early labour but also to do so when she was so far from home.

“She was in good hands with our wonderful maternity and neonatal teams though and we are delighted both Melissa and Henry are now back home safe and sound.

“It is heartwarming to know that Melissa appreciated having the rooms that we have recently refurbished available to her and that she is so grateful she wants to raise funds to say thank you to the hospital.

“We want to send Melissa, Henry and their whole family our thanks and very best wishes.”

You can sponsor Melissa at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/melissa-kelly-4

Support the neonatal unit