Olivia the NICU champ - Folk Features

Andrew Stanbridge’s daughter was given just a 5-10% of survival when she was born at 24 weeks at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Which is why he has embarked on a fundraising challenge to support the teams that saved the life of his baby girl

When Olivia was born on 14 December 2022 at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital she weighed just 470 grams. After 141 days, in four different hospitals, she is now back with mum Danielle Booth and dad Andrew Stanbridge at their home in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire.

Danielle was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia at a routine antenatal appointment, before being brought to NNUH where she spent six days on a ward before Olivia was born.

The couple stayed with Olivia until 28 February, based at McKee House – a five-bedroom property just a two-minute walk from the hospital which offers ensuite bedrooms to families with children in hospital.

Olivia was given just a 5-10% of survival when she was born at 24 weeks at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in December

Andrew is now preparing to take part in the Chiltern 50 Challenge this September where, along with colleagues from M4 Recruitment, he aims to complete the 50km route in 10 hours.

Money raised will go the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit fund of the N&N Hospitals Charity, which helps support staff, purchase specialist equipment, and provide on-site family accommodation such as McKee House.

Andrew says: ‘After witnessing first-hand the amazing efforts of the hospital, I have chosen to fundraise to help them continue their life-saving work.

‘When we made decision to have a baby, we never thought for one moment we would find ourselves on this rollercoaster ride of emotions and extreme highs and lows.

‘I was ignorant to the prem world, I wasn’t even aware babies so small could survive with the right medical treatment that our NHS hospitals can provide.

‘I want to raise money for these incredible units to help save more babies like our little girl Olivia.’

He adds: ‘All the staff were brilliant, from the day we ended up on the first ward, through to leaving months later – we even gave Olivia the middle name of one of the nurses who looked after her.’

You can support Andrew and our NICU by making a donation here Andrew Stanbridge is fundraising for Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity (justgiving.com)

Images supplied by Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust