A dedicated mother is preparing to scale down the side of a hospital building to raise money for the life-saving teams who saved her and her premature baby daughter.
Nurse Emily Millward, 30, from Rock Ferry, was taken critically ill during her pregnancy before delivering her baby girl 15 weeks early. Both mother and daughter received specialist care at the hospital where the infant spent four months recovering on the neonatal unit.
A Promise to Give Back
After going through intensive care treatment, Emily and her husband James vowed to complete an annual charity event to give back to NHS staff. The brave mother is now gearing up to descend the side of the hospital building as part of a fundraising challenge.
Emily Millward said: "Nothing prepares you for seeing your tiny baby fighting for her life from the very beginning."
She continued: "Because I was so poorly, I missed those precious first moments as a mum, which was heartbreaking. But I always knew Erin was being cared for by an incredible team."
An Incredible Team
She added: "Having a baby in neonatal is something no parent can ever truly prepare for. The staff celebrated every milestone with us and supported us through every setback. They cared not only for Erin, but for our whole family."
She continued: "At the same time, the Intensive Care team cared for me with compassion, kindness and understanding. We will never be able to thank them enough."
She added: "This hospital gave both Erin and me a future."
A Heartfelt Thank You
She continued: "Taking part is my way of saying thank you to the incredible staff who cared for us and helping ensure other families continue to receive the same outstanding care and support." She added: "After everything we have been through, every day together feels like a gift. Erin is the strongest, bravest little girl I know, and I could not be prouder of her."
Janelle Holmes, chief executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: "I’m really proud that our teams cared for both Emily and Erin through what was an incredibly difficult time. It is wonderful to see Emily now taking the time to give something back to help future patients and families. I wish her the best of luck in the charity abseil."
Inspiring Others
Phil Crawford, community fundraiser for WUTH Charity, said: "Emily's story is a powerful reminder of the difference our hospitals make to local families every day. Every person who signs up will be helping us fund projects and services that make a real difference to patients, families and staff across our hospitals."
He added: "We hope Emily's story inspires others to join her, whether that is by taking on the challenge themselves or supporting someone who is."
Emily's abseil takes place on September 18 at Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral.
To register to take part or to support the event, call 0151 482 7788 or email wuth.charity@nhs.net.
