LITTLE Zara Allen is a born fighter.
Delivered at 26 weeks and weighing just 1lb 10oz, not a day goes by but her mum Emma and dad Ben thank the ‘miracle workers’ at Birmingham Women’s Hospital who saw her safely into this world with all her faculties intact.
Now, six years later, after a doing host of smaller fundraising events, Emma and Ben have organised a masquerade ball to raise some much needed cash for the neo-natal unit at the hospital and to truly say ‘thank you’.
“Zara Daisy Allen was born at Redditch Hospital and taken straight to Birmingham Women’s and the neo natal unit there as it is one of the highest level critical care units for babies,” said Emma.
“The next three months were an emotional rollercoaster!
“It teaches you the miracle of life and the precious balance we all hang in.
“Zara moved from Birmingham to Worcester then back to Redditch – then having decided we getting too relaxed she put us back on high alert by a significant relapse and we headed back to Worcester.
“All the neo natal units we spent in the staff are amazing, they showed compassion, care, support and strength not only being the lifeline for your child but your emotional crutch in the darkest hours.
Zara came home at three months old weighing less than 4lb … the hospital continued to support us as a family even in our home – the outreach worker was amazing! We know we have a little miracle due to the angels who wear uniforms…”
The neo natal unit at the Womens is one of the finest in the country and Emma knew Zara was in the best possible hands.
“We have been so lucky; we were told that, having been so early, she would have lots of things wrong with her, but we have been incredibly lucky and she is absolutely perfect,” said Emma, who gave up work to look after Zara.
“It’s all down to the care she received; the doctors were brilliant, but it’s the nurses that keep you going – they will be stern when they need to be – but it’s the care and compassion they show when the fear and anger take hold of you that shines through.”
The ball will be themed on the colour of the Womens Hospital – black and purple – and is at The Crown Green Suite at the White Hart in Headless Cross on Saturday, September 8.
Ticket prices, which include a three course supper and DJ, are £40 with discounts for tables of eight.
For more information email [email protected].
“Please support it,” said Emma, “for we are the luckiest parents in the world.”
