Content warning: This story mentions child loss
Together through the hardest times
In 2017, our family experienced both unimaginable heartbreak and incredible support.
My husband Dave and I were preparing to welcome our twin boys, Josh and Luke, alongside our eldest son Hugo, who was just one year old at the time. But in November 2017, the twins arrived three months early at just 28 weeks’ gestation at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral.
Heartbreakingly, Josh passed away shortly after he was born.
Luke was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where he remained for more than seven weeks. At the same time, I experienced serious complications following the twins’ birth and was rushed into emergency surgery, spending three days in the maternity intensive care unit myself.
It was during this incredibly difficult time that we were offered a room at Ronald McDonald House Arrowe Park.
Close to Luke, close to family
Although we lived relatively close to the hospital, staying at home simply was not an option.
Following my emergency Caesarean section and subsequent surgery, I was unable to drive and was still recovering physically. Being based within the hospital building meant I could spend precious time with Luke in NICU, while also having somewhere private to rest when I needed it.
Having the House just one floor away was invaluable.
Those early weeks were emotionally and physically exhausting. As parents, we were navigating grief after losing Josh while also focusing on Luke’s care and my own recovery. Having somewhere safe and comfortable to stay removed a huge amount of additional stress at a time when we desperately needed stability.
Support when I felt alone
After Christmas, Dave had to return to work while my parents cared for Hugo, which meant I often found myself alone at the House.
The staff became a lifeline.
They offered practical support when I needed help and emotional support when I needed someone to talk to. Their kindness made an enormous difference during one of the most challenging periods of my life.
The connection we built did not end when our stay ended. In fact, I remained friends with many of the team and later volunteered at the House, providing reiki and reflexology sessions for parents each month. Then, in 2023, I was fortunate enough to join the team as a Housekeeper.
Being able to work somewhere that meant so much to my family feels incredibly special.
Space to be a family
One of the most important things Ronald McDonald House Arrowe Park gave us was the ability to stay connected as a family.
I was not well enough to be Hugo’s main caregiver at the time, and being apart from him was heartbreaking. The House gave my parents and wider family somewhere to visit and spend time together.
We could sit down and eat as a family. Hugo had space to play. We could share moments together away from the clinical environment of the hospital.
Over Christmas, Hugo stayed with us when Dave and I were both at the House. We were able to look after him, spend time together and take turns being with Luke in NICU.
Those moments of normal family life were so important.
A Christmas we’ll never forget
My strongest memories are of Christmas at the House.
The House was beautifully decorated, and the team created opportunities for families to celebrate despite everything they were facing.
When you have a child in hospital, celebrations are often the last thing on your mind. But the staff understand how important those moments can be, especially for families facing very serious or life-limiting diagnoses.
For us, having Christmas with Hugo, who was just 15 months old at the time, created memories we will always treasure.
The celebrations were gentle and thoughtful, bringing moments of joy during an otherwise incredibly difficult period. Looking back, those memories mean even more than I could have imagined at the time.
Taking on the 79 Mile Mission together
This year, our family is taking part in the 79 Mile Mission together.
It is a brilliant way for us to give back to a charity that supported us when we needed it most. What makes it even more special is that it is something we can do as a family.
Dave and I will be joined by our children Hugo, Luke and Fern as we work together to complete the miles. We will be counting every walk to school, weekend bike ride and family day out as part of the challenge.
The children are especially excited to be involved. They love the idea of working towards a goal together and knowing that every mile helps support families facing challenges similar to those we experienced.
Ronald McDonald House Arrowe Park gave us comfort, support and togetherness during one of the hardest chapters of our lives. Taking on the 79 Mile Mission is our way of helping ensure other families can receive that same support when they need it most.
If you’ve been inspired to fundraise for Ronald McDonald House UK, why not get in touch with our fundraising team?