Antrim Neonatal fundraiser for Bertie's birthday

On finding that we where expecting at 27 weeks and 3 days, never did we expect that Bertie would arrive at 30 weeks and 3 days by emergency C section as Emma and Bertie where both at risk. we wondered how our little man would ever survive, being only 2 lb 2oz at his lowest. we where introduced to the Neonatal unit, something that we'd never had to think about before.

Although it's not somewhere anyone ever plan's to be, we where greeted by the staff on the unit like old friends, everything was explained to us in simple terms which helped put us at ease. As anyone that has been in Neonatal knows there are no guarantees but we where assured that everything that could be done would be done. An added complication due to Covid was there was no support from outside agencies/ charity's as there usually would be, but we didn't not find ourselves wanting. Our Neonatal family was more than fit for the task, not only providing the top shelf medical care for Bertie but also for myself and Emma. The friendship, support and encouragement that they provided in our 7 week stay, the doctors, nurses and health care assistants are some very special people that wore many hats over and above there primary role, so much so that we consider them all our Neonatal family and talk of them often with our son, giving them the nickname Berties Angels.

Bertie still has his battles and struggles, his most recent is still only coming to an end (hopefully), but we will never be able to thank the staff of the Neonatal unit enough for giving us our baby boy home.

Bertie is blessed to have everything that he needs at home, so for his first birthday we're asking our friends and family if they would consider donating to the Neonatal unit, so they can keep providing the same fantastic level of care, as well as the little gifts we received from Bertie during our stay.

Our hope is that we can raise a few pounds to help the next parents coming through the same experience and encourage our Neonatal family that they are very exceptional people.

Lots of love and thanks from the Davisons, Mark, Emma and our wee fighter Bertie.