Baby Ember and family donate care packages to mark first birthday

Baby Ember Fletcher, who recently celebrated her first birthday, marked the occasion with her family who have donated several care packages to the Neonatal unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital where Ember spent the first week of her life.

It was Mum Jem’s first experience being on the Neonatal unit when Ember was born six weeks early in February last year, Jem commented, “I have two other children so the experience at the time was stressful trying to juggle family life and being at the hospital with Ember. The staff were brilliant and provided regular updates when we could not be there. We wanted to give something back in some way that would support future families on the unit so created care packages.” 

The care packages which have already helped families on the unit, contained a notebook with pen, some toiletries, biscuits with tea and some items for the baby such as bib, muslin cloth and comforter.

Julie Kearney, Matron of the Neonatal unit commented: “Thank you so much to Ember's family, it was so lovely to see them again one year on. We have already started giving out the care packages to families on the unit and are making such a positive difference to those now in a similar situation.”

Jem reflected on her time on the unit and shared this advice, “Trust your instincts and take it hour by hour, so much can change but know you are in the right place. We missed it when we got home … the support of the team meant so much to us.”