Generous families help NICU's wishes come true

Hospital staff were astounded when supporters bought every single item on a wish list set up to support parents whose babies are born prematurely.

The team at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford worked with the Friends of the William Harvey Hospital to create the list, which contained items such as tea, coffee and snacks for parents whose babies are in hospital.

The Friends mentioned it on their Facebook page and the post was shared almost 200 times, and packages soon started arriving at the hospital.

NICU manager Vicky Vining said: “We were completely overwhelmed by people’s generosity.

“For every item on our wish list to have been purchased at a time when rising costs have made life so difficult for everyone has meant the world to us and the heartfelt messages that accompanied each item were so touching.

“The staff, babies and parents will forever be grateful.”

Among the people who bought items from the list were families who had previously had babies in the unit.

One said: “The wonderful NICU staff helped safe my daughter’s life when she was born full term but terribly ill with sepsis and other complications. She turns five in just over two weeks’ time and I think about our time on the NICU most days.”

Another added: “Without the amazing staff from the William Harvey Hospital’s NICU and special care baby unit our premature twins wouldn’t be turning 18 next year.”

Friends’ manager Jill Barringer said: “The support from our fantastic community was absolutely incredible and we are so grateful.

“The team were particularly moved by the comments on some of the items, particularly those from parents they have previously helped.

“When babies are in NICU parents often don’t like to leave the ward, so being able to offer tea, coffee, and snacks to help sustain them can make a real difference to their wellbeing, as well as reminding them that there are people out there thinking of them and their babies.”

Vicky and the team are now researching other items that could be added to the gift list in future.

You can find the list here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/3U0W86ZZPU02S

There are also lists for children’s ward Padua, and a general list for the hospital including items to support people undergoing cancer treatment or those living with dementia.