Family's donation for staff's '˜brilliant care'

When Kerrie Kerlin looks at her daughter she is constantly reminded how lucky she is to have a healthy baby.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Apr 2016, 18:32 BST
Updated 26th Apr 2016, 20:34 BST
Harper.Harper.
Harper.

The Feeny woman went into labour four weeks early and gave birth to her daughter, Harper who weighed a tiny 4lbs 6oz.

“She was tiny,” said Kerrie.

Harper subsequently spent a week in the Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit in Altnagelvin. While it was hard for Kerrie and her husband Eoghan seeing their daughter in the Unit, they were able to stay close to her in a family room.

The Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit in Altnagelvin has received a generous donation of £1,500 from Kerrie and Eoghan Kerlin. Pictured are Mary ONeill, Lorraine Denney and Samantha McNeill accepting the cheque on behalf of the Unit.The Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit in Altnagelvin has received a generous donation of £1,500 from Kerrie and Eoghan Kerlin. Pictured are Mary ONeill, Lorraine Denney and Samantha McNeill accepting the cheque on behalf of the Unit.
The Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit in Altnagelvin has received a generous donation of £1,500 from Kerrie and Eoghan Kerlin. Pictured are Mary ONeill, Lorraine Denney and Samantha McNeill accepting the cheque on behalf of the Unit.
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“I never thought that would happen but because she was born early she was underweight,” said Kerrie. “Spending a week there made us realise how ill other babies are. It was hard to see Harper in there, but we were so lucky because we were able to go home with our baby.

“We count our blessings every day. Harper will be one in June and she has come on so well.

“She’s into 9-12 months clothes and she is just a happy, healthy little girl.”

Kerrie and husband Eoghan were so touched by the care their daughter received they decided to give something back.

The Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit in Altnagelvin has received a generous donation of £1,500 from Kerrie and Eoghan Kerlin. Pictured are Mary ONeill, Lorraine Denney and Samantha McNeill accepting the cheque on behalf of the Unit.The Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit in Altnagelvin has received a generous donation of £1,500 from Kerrie and Eoghan Kerlin. Pictured are Mary ONeill, Lorraine Denney and Samantha McNeill accepting the cheque on behalf of the Unit.
The Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit in Altnagelvin has received a generous donation of £1,500 from Kerrie and Eoghan Kerlin. Pictured are Mary ONeill, Lorraine Denney and Samantha McNeill accepting the cheque on behalf of the Unit.
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“The staff were brilliant. They were so good and they deserve so much credit,” said Kerrie.

“I knew they needed equipment so we wanted to do something. It took a while, but we decided on a sponsored walk in Feeny.”

Thanks to the community, the 7K event on the day, plus an online donation page, raised £1,500 for the Unit.

Kerrie and Eoghan thanked everyone who helped fundraise.

“We appreciate it so much, so just a huge thanks to everyone,” Kerrie added.

Related topics:Altnagelvin