Andrea Hendry - Liverpool Volunteer of the Year

Our very own Miracle Babies Foundation volunteer Andrea Hendry was recently awarded as Liverpool Volunteer of the Year at a ceremony held on 19th March 2010.

The busy mother of two premature children, Andrea has also committed much of her time, effort and heart into establishing the first Miracle Babies Foundation NurtureGroup in Liverpool for the families of premature and sick newborns. Now a thriving fortnightly event, families travel from all over Sydney to meet with others who know exactly what they have been through. The group also has visits from an Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, Physiotherapist, Family Support Nurses and Social Worker from Liverpool Hospital, and TAFE childcare students.

Andrea understands first hand the long term implications of having a child arrive early and said "there can be a lot of hidden challenges". She hopes more NurtureGroups will continue to open around Australia for these precious babies and their unique needs. She said it is amazing to see "parents share the experience of having a premature baby or sick newborn and be able to support each other'". 

Andrea was grateful for her award and though shocked said it was "amazing to be among people that have made such an impact on the community".