Andrew's First Christmas

After a difficult hospital journey, 6-month-old Andrew is spending his first Christmas at home with his family. Hear Andrew's story in the words of his Mum, Debbie.

'Andrew was born eight weeks premature on 14th June and spent the first four weeks of his life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Glasgow Children's Hospital.'

'Andrew’s twin, Oliver, sadly died at their birth.'

'It was a very sudden labour, and at one point we nearly lost both of our boys.'

'The charity-funded child bereavement service has been extremely beneficial in helping us come to terms with what has happened.'

'Our counsellor, Lyn, has been wonderful. She is such a supportive listener and has really helped us grieve for Oliver, whilst still celebrating the birth of Andrew.' 

'She has gone above and beyond for us as a family, and for that we are eternally grateful.'

'The breastfeeding team in the neonatal department were also fabulous and the pack supplied by Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity was very useful.'

'The pack allowed me to express milk at home to be transported to Andrew whilst he was in NICU for the first month of his life.'

'Andrew has spent half of December in hospital with RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and bronchiolitis.'

Debbie, andrew's mum

‘It was tough having Andrew in hospital over the festive period, but the charity made the stay significantly brighter with the provision of toys and distractions, and a number of special Christmas visits, including Celtic FC, Elsa and Anna from Frozen, and the Caledonia Gladiators Women's Team.'

'On the day he was discharged, Andrew even met Santa at the charity-run Grotto in the hospital atrium!' 

'It’s the best feeling ever to have Andrew home for his first Christmas!'

debbie, andrew's mum

'He missed a few of his Christmas parties at his classes and groups due to being in hospital, but now he's home, we are doing everything to make it extra special for him.'

'He's loving the lights on the Christmas tree and decorations, and has reached the age where he is starting to interact a lot more and enjoy things!'

'We are really looking forward to having a family Christmas at home, where Andrew can celebrate with all of his Grandparents, Auntie, and Cousin.'

'It's been a rollercoaster six months, but we couldn't be happier to have Andrew home for Christmas, thanks to his fantastic care at the children's hospital.'