A MUM whose daughter was born premature has held a sponsored walk to thank the medical staff who cared for her.
Hannah Gallagher’s daughter Eva was born premature and had to fight for her life in the neonatal unit at Forth Valley Royal Hospital. Distraught Hannah and her husband Sean weren’t even allowed to see Eva for five hours after she was born because she was so ill.
To try and comfort Eva when her parents couldn’t pick her up, she was given a Zacky Hand, a pillow the same shape, size and temperature as a human hand, and Hannah hopes this money will allow them to buy more.
Hannah said: “She had it for about a day as they didn’t have enough to go round. It would be good if they could get more so every baby could have one.”
Happily, Eva is now about to celebrate her first birthday and is as fit and active as any other baby.
Hannah said: “She’s thriving now. You wouldn’t even know she had been premature.”
The sponsored walk attracted around 30 children and their families for a trek around Gartmorn Dam and a fun day out on September 4.
Hannah said: “It was lovely, we had Mickey and Minnie Mouse and there was a picnic after.”
The weather also played ball and there was sunshine for the event. Young walkers got a goodie bag and a medal for completing the walk.
Funds raised will go to So Precious, a charity supporting neonatal and children’s wards in Forth Valley.
So far over £1,200 has been raised and Hannah would like to thank everyone who donated, walked and helped on the day. She would also like to thank Tesco Alloa for the £30 voucher that provided the much needed refreshments after the walk.