Baby Dougie’s family raise £5k to thank critical care unit
The family of a baby boy treated in the paediatric critical care unit (PCCU) at QMC have raised £5,000 to say thank you.
Seven-month-old Dougie was admitted to QMC in May over concerns about his development. He has a rare genetic condition and bronchomalacia, a congenital airways problem that means he needs to be on a ventilator at night. He also suffers from severe reflux, and has had surgery to tighten his stomach muscles and to insert a feeding tube.
Mum Charlotte Bonser, from Hucknall, said: “The unit has become our second home. The staff are all just fantastic – they’re like your therapists, your friends – they’re there for you as much as they are for your children.”
Charlotte’s sister Daisy was with her the day Dougie was admitted, and decided to raise £1,000. She hit that target within 24 hours. The money has funded practical things for parents on the unit: vouchers for Deliveroo and Costa, toiletries, books and puzzle books, and basic clothing.
Charlotte thanked everyone who had contributed, adding: “We’re a bit overwhelmed, people have been amazing.”
PCCU Matron Liz Bailey echoed Charlotte’s words, adding: “Families lives can be changed in a second. They can arrive here in an ambulance, having started their day in the most normal of ways, and can stay here for days, weeks and even months. They often arrive with just what they are wearing when they dialled 999, so being able to give them a toothbrush, pyjamas or deodorant makes a huge difference.
“Families tell us the impact on their wellbeing, their health and their finances of a long hospital stay: so a food voucher, a toy for their child, or a contribution to living costs can make the difference between sinking and swimming, when all around you seems to be falling apart.”
“It’s tough on us and it is tough on a lot of families,” said Charlotte. “Dean and I are hoping Dougie is on the road to recovery now. We just want him home with his sister, Darcie.”
Liz added: “We are so grateful that, even when being here with her poorly son, Charlotte has thought so sensitively and kindly about other families and what they might need. Her experience of being on PCCU has given her such unique insight into what is helpful, and our team can’t say thank you enough, or overstate the impact of this extraordinary donation.”
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