The annual Christmas party, organised by the Trust’s Neonatal Community Outreach Team, took place at St John’s Church, Scarborough Road, on Wednesday 10 December.
An extension of the Neomates support group—which has been running since 2014—the event brings together families with shared experiences, offering a chance to meet others, celebrate milestones and enjoy time together in a supportive environment.
This month’s gathering was a true Christmas celebration, complete with refreshments, gifts and raffle prizes, supported by donations from Tesco and the Trust’s Well Wishers charity.
Kiran Chatha, Neonatal Outreach Lead and Discharge Planning Coordinator, said: “It’s a safe space for families to ask questions and to get their babies weighed. It also connects people so they can access, or provide, peer support, which is especially important when families first join us and are often anxious about the journey ahead.”
Neonatal Outreach Sister Nicola Heath added: “We have families where the newborns are premature, but so were their siblings. We remember the older children, and as staff it makes us emotional seeing them! Some families with premature babies can’t even picture their little one in a school uniform, but events like this give them a boost to think that’s where their child will soon be.”
Among those attending was one-year-old Thomas Crowe, joined by mum Becky and big sister Louisa.
Born in January 2024 at 32 weeks via emergency c-section, Thomas weighed just 3lb 10oz and spent 12 weeks on the Neonatal Unit receiving treatment for an infection. The family has since become regular attendees at the monthly group.
Becky said: “The group is brilliant – I get all the advice I need for any issues or concerns, and now he’s thriving. It’s lovely to see the other children at the group doing well.”
Parents Jenna Kerr and Marvin Collins also joined the festivities with their daughter Mya, born in October 2025 at 34 weeks via c-section – the day after Jenna’s baby shower.
Mya spent two weeks on the Neonatal Unit before being discharged home, and has grown from 3lb 3oz to 5lb 11oz.
Jenna said: “The Neonatal staff have been amazing – I can’t fault them. It feels like a family.” Marvin added: “Our eldest, Freya, was small but not premature, so even though we were already parents this felt like a completely new experience. We’ve already had lots of great support and advice.”
Little Kya, aged five, was another proud sibling at the party, cuddling her baby brother Neo as they met Father Christmas.
Born in September, Neo spent seven weeks in hospital and received treatment for an infection and jaundice.
Mum Jade Gardner praised the team: “The staff on the Neonatal Unit were incredible. Any time I needed any support they were there.”
The Neomates support group is held on the second Wednesday of every month and is free to attend. Families are provided with details on how to join when they are discharged from the Neonatal Unit.
