Claire was born via emergency caesarean at 28 weeks and will be spending Christmas in hospital.

"Due to severe preeclampsia and Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), Claire was born early. Weighing a tiny 565grams and measuring several weeks behind, Claire has been a fighter from the very beginning.

At barely a week old she was battling Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), pneumonia and sepsis. She has endured countless procedures, tests and scans. 

We have been splitting our time between the NICU and home whilst caring for our five year old son. Visiting restrictions mean only one parent at a time, and lockdown has made this experience exponentially harder.

As much as we wanted our children to meet in person by Christmas, we know it’s unlikely to happen. As disheartening as that can be, especially at this time of year, we know that the NICU is the best and safest place for our beautiful girl.

One day, our family will be able to be in the same room together.”