Family of TV tot donate thousands to neonatal unit

THE family of a ‘ tiny superstar’ who was featured on a recent BBC medical series have donated thousands of pounds to the neonatal unit which saved his life.

Baby Alfie was born last November at just 27 weeks old and spent 139 days in the specialist unit at the University Hospital Wishaw ( UHW).

Weighing only 1lb 6oz, the tot’s lungs collapsed numerous times and he suffered from respiratory arrest, leading to seven blood transfusions.

Despite multiple setbacks, the ‘ little warrior’ kept fighting and is now stronger than ever with mum and dad,

Monica and Gary, eager to show their appreciation for the highly skilled staff at the unit, which appeared in the most recent series of the BBC One show, Tiny Lives.

Monica said: “There is no gift or gesture that can ever convey our thanks for what the team has done for our family, but knowing that little babies, just like Alfie, are going to benefit from this money raised for some time to come really means the world to us.”

The incredible sum of over £ 5000 was raised by family friend Andrew Docherty, also a nurse, who ran 48 miles in 48 hours across Glasgow.

The funds will now go towards securing specialist equipment which will help to save the lives of countless other babies requiring neonatal care in Lanarkshire.

Kate Boyle, senior midwife, Neonatal and Transitional Care at UHW said: “We are so grateful to the Sheen family and their friend Andrew for raising this amazing sum of money.

“Alfie was on a lifesaving ventilator for quite some time, and Monica is keen we use the money towards the purchase of a video laryngoscope, which is a fantastic piece of equipment to aid in intubation and also in the teaching of intubation techniques.

“Alfie really is a superstar after a starring role in the latest series of Tiny Lives.

“It was a joy for us to see him back visiting us with his mum.”