Bring Biggsy's Baby Boys home

Bring Biggsy's Baby Boys home

Helping those who help others

Originally from the UK, Steven and Nicola made the small coastal town of Broome their home several years ago after backpacking around Australia. Not content with simply enjoying the 'good life' that Broome had to offer, both wanted to give back to the community they loved.  Several years ago they both began volunteering, Steven as a firefighter with the Bush Fire Brigade and an ambulance officer with St John Ambulance and Nicola as a firefighter with the Broome Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service. Over the years both have been involved in significant fundraising events for people facing challenging times. Nicola is affectionately known amongst the volunteers as the ‘The Carwash Queen’ as she organises and coordinates fundraising car wash’s held at the fire station.

Over the past few years Steven and Nicola built their own home, had their dream wedding and started their own little family with the welcomed addition of a dog called Wilson.  They were ecstatic when they found out Nicola was pregnant however this quickly turned into shock when they learnt she was carrying twins!  Plans to prepare for this now doubly joyful event began in earnest much to the delight of their friends and family.  However things took an unexpected turn when Nicola went into early labour and had to be flown down to Perth by the Royal Flying Doctor Service.  Following an emergency caesarean, which Steven watched via facetime, Nicola gave birth to two small beautiful baby boys on 8th December 2016 at only 25 weeks gestation.  Harper Lennard, the elder brother by one minute, weighed in at 920 grams, with his younger brother Arthur Colin weighing in at a slightly smaller 745 grams.

Steven flew down to Perth the following day to be with his wife and sons. Both boys have had significant health problems associated with being born so premature and they remain in intensive care.  Initially they were at King Edward Memorial Hospital, however when Arthur’s health deteriorated, he was moved to Princess Margaret Hospital where he could be monitored by more specialist surgeons. Soon Harper joined his little brother at PMH to provide support for Arthur who needed heart and brain surgery.  Arthur is recovering well with his big brother by his side however will require ongoing surgery until he is big and strong enough to have a shunt put in. Both boys are still facing significant challenges into the future but Steven and Nicola are there every step of the way, taking each day at a time. 

The world does not stop for anyone, even despite such a significant event.  Steven and Nicola have relocated to Perth indefinitely whilst their boys receive the specialist care they require.  We are all extremely grateful to Ronald McDonald House for accommodating Steven and Nicola in Perth.  However they are chewing through their savings, have limited money coming in and are not sure when they will be able to return to work.  Steven has taken unpaid leave from his job in Broome as he can’t bear to leave Nicola to ride this emotional rollercoaster alone.  Meanwhile the bills and costs of living continue…

Steven and Nicola’s friends are raising money to help with their bills and expenses at this stressful time in their lives.  We hope to alleviate some of their financial stress and enable them to focus all their energy on supporting each other and helping their boys grow stronger.  Please help us help this little Broome family. Your donation will make a big difference.