Help keep Lolas family together!

On the 21st of May, my brother Shaun and his partner Emma welcomed their baby girl, Lola, into the world. All seemed ok at first, but it quickly became apparent that there were complications with her breathing. It was discovered that Lolas nostrils were blocked, within hours of being born, she was put on a ventilator to assist her breathing. 

It was decided that Lola needed specialist care and that she would be transferred from Hull women’s and children’s to Leeds general hospital for treatment. From the moment they arrived at the hospital, they received one bad news after another. They were told Lola is blind in one eye and deaf in one ear... not sure on the others until she is older. Lola has been clinically diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome. It is severe and her prognosis is that she will have to have a tracheostomy fitted, for the rest of her life. Meaning Lola will need 24 hour care. 

Due to Covid-19, a financial strain has already been put on their family, as Shaun is a barber by trade and is unable to work at the moment due to the social distancing rules. They were not prepared for this finical situation as who could have predicated a global pandemic. The added pressure of travelling to and from Hull to Leeds daily is becoming financially overwhelming. 

On top of all of this, Shaun’s car broke down on Sunday night, on the way home from visiting Lola at the hospital. They are now left with no transport! Due to Lolas tracheostomy, Shaun and Emma will need to go through extensive training before they can even bring Lola home and care for her. This is meant to start next week, but now made impossible due to lack of transport. Public transport is also not an option due to the current Covid situation as it would be a great risk to Lolas health.

My brother doesn’t like to ask for help as he has always stood on his own and supported himself and his family. I feel in this difficult situation I need to reach out for him. It’s heartbreaking to watch them fall apart and I want to do all I can to support them at this difficult time.

Any help no matter how small, would be very much appreciated! It would help keep Emma and Shaun united with Lola and to be able to go ahead with the training needed to help care for Lola longterm and bring her home. 

Please help Lolas family in this time of need!