Family of Derry baby born 15 weeks early show support for TinyLife charity

Baby Michael Mac Hugh shocked his mum Sara and dad Conall when he arrived 15 weeks early at the start of this year.

Sara told the Journal how her son ‘defied all the odds’ and is now a ‘happy, healthy little boy.’

“Our son Michael Douglas Mac Hugh was born on January 16 2020 at 25 weeks plus three days gestation, 15 weeks early, weighing just 1lb 11oz. He is now over 9lb at 21 weeks old. His due date was 27 April 2020. Michael was born in Altnagelvin at 1.45am and transferred to The Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast at 3pm that same day.

“He spent five and a half weeks in the Royal where he received four of his five blood transfusions and spent the last seven and a half weeks back in Altnagelvin, where he got his last blood transfusion.

“Throughout his stay in both hospitals he was on ventilators, C-PAP and Duo-PAP machines to help with his breathing.

“Because Michael needed the help for so long with his breathing he has a diagnosis of Chronic Lung Disease, which he should grow out of as he matures and his lungs grow.

“I had received steroid injections during a hospital stay in the days prior to Michael’s birth to help mature his lungs because I was at risk of going into pre term labour, but it looked like that risk had gone and I was discharged the morning before he was born.

“During this hospital stay I was also told that a baby born at 25 weeks has a 60% survival rate, defying all the odds Michael is with us now, thankfully a happy healthy 21 week old. He is smaller than other babies his age and developmentally has some catching up to do but he is a little fighter.”

Sara outlined how, not only had baby Michael to endure blood transfusions, countless rounds of antibiotics, invasive procedures, he has also had laser eye surgery to correct ROP (retinopathy of prematurity) caused by the extra oxygen he needed for a long time.

“We are currently waiting on a follow up appointment to see if the surgery was successful - he is very nosey so we think it worked!”

She added how Tinylife was a great support to them all over the last weeks and months.

“During our stay in hospital TinyLife were a huge support and continue to be there for us. By way of thanks we wanted to raise funds for the charity and so lockdown presented the perfect opportunity.

“As lockdown has rolled on Michael’s Uncle Caolan, his dad’s identical twin, became increasingly in need of a visit to the barbers. We used this to our advantage and challenged Caolan to a head shave!

“Caolan’s friend Owen Brady also braved the shave. Our family and friends rallied their support and I’m delighted to say we have raised over £2,000 for TinyLife. The justgiving page will stay open for another few days so anyone who would like to show their support can do so by visitinghttps://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sara-Douglas2”

Valerie Cromie Head of Fundraising for TinyLife thanked the family for its support, particularly during a very challenging time.

“Having a premature baby presents many challenges under normal circumstances but lockdown has meant only one parent being able to visit the neo natal unit at a time. Families have had to withdraw from the support of their extended family as they have been shielding.

“TinyLife’s family support team moved quickly to a digital platform to ensure vital support for these families continues to be available.

“We are greatly indebted to the Mac Hugh Family for their generosity and to Caolan and Owen who were brave enough to take on the Head Shave Challenge. Funds raised will ensure families who experience the birth of a premature baby receive the practical and emotional support they need.’