'Toddle for Teddy' helps raise funds for The Royal Oldham's NICU

The family and friends of premature twins born at The Royal Oldham Hospital have helped raise vital funds for the neonatal unit.

The funds were raised by staff and students at Newman RC College in Chadderton while the family were in hospital following the birth of their premature twins Teddy and Tilly.

Parents Ian and Emma Worsley both work at the college and staff and students at the college wanted to show their support for the family by fundraising for the NICU at Oldham. Activities included a 'Toddle for Teddy' sponsored walk.

Ian explains: "Tilly and Teddy were born in August, over 13 weeks premature. The waters around Tilly ruptured after just 20 weeks and the doctors said there was no chance that the twins would survive if they were born so early. The aim was to reach 24 weeks so that they at least stood a chance.

"After spending a great deal of the next six weeks in hospital, Emma went into labour, and it was quickly decided that an emergency caesarean section was the safest thing to do for her and the twins.

"Tilly came first, and then just two minutes later Teddy was born. They were both taken away by the NICU doctors and needed a lot of treatment because they were born so early. Unfortunately, because Emma's waters had broken for so long, Tilly's lungs hadn't developed fully, and she was only with us for two days.

"Teddy spent the next four months on the neonatal unit at Oldham Hospital. For the first six weeks, he needed a ventilator to breathe for him and spent another two months on different breathing support machines.

"Teddy finally came home in early December, but he still needs a small oxygen supply to help him breathe. His lungs are getting bigger and healthier every day and we hope it won't be too long before the amount he needs is reduced, and eventually he will breathe without any support for the first time.

"We will always be grateful for everything the NICU staff did for us over the four months we were on the unit and for the money our 'Newman family' have raised to thank the NICU and in memory of Tilly."

The family visited the NICU ward to say thanks to staff and to present a cheque for £2,125.