Lady Harris sees how the Harris-Wellbeing Preterm Birth Centre supports mums and babies here at Liverpool Women’s.
The generous donor met with staff and families in Liverpool whose lives have been changed by the support of the centre.
Lady Harris visited the Harris-Wellbeing Preterm Birth Centre on 2 November 2017 to see how the £1million grant in 2014 has helped preterm babies.
The Centre, which is hosted by the University of Liverpool and Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, is home to a research programme aimed at improving understanding of what causes preterm birth and what can be done to prevent it.
Lady Harris spoke with Jessica Chase, 27, who tragically lost her baby girl, Maggie, just two hours after she was born, in November 2014.
Baby Maggie’s short life was spent surrounded by the beeping machines and hospital staff while her family watched over her.
In 2015, when Jessica found out she was pregnant again, she was referred to the Harris-Wellbeing Centre for support. In August 2016, Jessica gave birth to a baby Maggie’s brother, River, who is now a thriving 15-month-old.
Improving understanding
Jessica said, “The Centre provided me with a tremendous amount of support. Following my experience of losing River’s sister I was extremely anxious that something could go wrong again.
I wanted guarantees of everything which of course is impossible. The staff were fantastic with me, giving me advice and reassurance throughout my pregnancy. They even provided me with scans when I asked which also helped me through.
They helped me feel more confident about my ability to carry my pregnancy to full term. The support they provide is exactly what you need in a subsequent pregnancy like the one I had particularly as anxiety is not good for you or the baby.
Also by assisting in this vital research I am doing my bit to help researchers understand the causes of preterm birth and ultimately helping families who experience it.”
Fundraising
Thanks to the excellent care Jessica received at the unit, and to honour her daughter’s legacy, the mum launched an online fundraising campaign.
The campaign, which had an initial target of £200, raised an incredible £1,000, thanks to Jessica’s friends and family.
This money will help the centre to provide support for current and future families that pass through its doors.
