Lucy’s story

Two-year-old Lucy suffered complications at birth and spent time on the Trevor Mann Baby Unit. Here is her story...

Sam Thomas is Managing Director of the five-a-side business football leagues company, FirmBalls. Supported by his wife Kelly, he raised £3,000 for the Trevor Mann Baby Unit this summer, to thank those who had cared for his daughter Lucy two years ago. In their own words, here is her story…

“On 2 May 2015 our amazing twins were born. We were thrown straight onto the roller coaster of parenthood when Sienna was born without any complications, but Lucy struggled to survive due to a prolapsed cord. We watched, helpless, as doctors flooded the room and took over the enormous responsibility of keeping her alive.

“The focus and determination the neonatal staff showed in those early moments will never leave our minds. Lucy was given oxygen and a relatively new ‘cooling mat’ treatment to prevent her tiny brain from swelling. We were given the devastating news that she might not survive, but if she did was likely to face severe brain damage.

“The nurses in the days ahead were nothing short of angels. The Trevor Mann Baby Unit in Brighton, which we had heard of but never thought we would need, became our lifeline. Every minute was spent watching and hoping that Lucy would survive. We witnessed the dedication and care given to every single baby on the unit first-hand. Day by day Lucy built up her strength and overcame small milestones. We started to receive some positive feedback from doctors over the coming weeks, and by week four, we were able to take Lucy home to meet her sister Sienna.

“Lucy has had two years of tests and monitoring, and finally, aged two-years old, we are so happy to say that Lucy has reached every milestone alongside her sister. We could call it a miracle, but like many things in life, it wasn’t luck, but the relentless hard work of the doctors and nurses at the Trevor Mann Baby Unit, who kept our daughter alive.

“We can never repay what this means to us. I hope that the money raised from the 50 Holes for 50 Years charity golf challenge will help the people whom we literally owe our lives. Thank you for taking the time to read our story.”

To find out more about Sam’s fundraising challenge, please click here.