The Carnoustie family of a baby born 16 weeks early and weighing 1lb 5oz are supporting a fund-raising venture to help other sick and premature babies.
The fund-raising effort has been inspired by former Carnoustie man Barry Manson and his wife Gail, whose daughter Jessica was born at 24 weeks in September at Stirling Royal Infirmary.
Gail had been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and the doctors had no choice but to give her a Caesarean section.
Jessica was given a 50/50 chance of survival and was so small doctors could not be sure if she was a girl.
Only one other baby at the hospital is believed to have been born weighing less than Jessica and survived.
“She was so small, but hooked up to so many monitors,” said Barry. “There’s no doubt that Jessica has a fighting spirit, but without the help of the neo-natal ICU team she would not be here today.
“It is difficult to describe everything parents go through. It is a rollercoaster of emotions and you are just not prepared for it.
“Not only, however, do they help the babies, they also help the parents and families cope through it all. You build up some really close relationships.”HomeNow 6lb 2oz, Jessica was allowed home just before Christmas.
The couple live near Stirling and Jessica is their first child.
Now a fund-raising event named Jessica’s Ball has been organised by family friend Elizabeth Emmerson and they hope to raise as much money as possible for the hospital’s neo-natal intensive care unit.
It is also being supported by Barry’s parents, Phil and Gill Manson, of Lomond Drive, Carnoustie.
Among the acts featured at the ball will be Britain’s Got Talent dance act and semi-finalists The Fusion, top Michael Buble tribute act Kevin Roger, and former Bad Candy singer Natalie James.
Elizabeth said, “This is an amazing unit with wonderful staff. They have saved Jessica’s life and there are many more people like Barry and Gail whose children are with them because of the work they have done.”
An incubator for the unit costs £30,000 and for every baby they care for it costs around £1200 per night.
Jessica’s Ball will take place on September 24 in the Golden Lion Hotel, Stirling, with all proceeds going to the SRI neonatal ICU.
Tickets are £65, with VIP tickets and tables available. There will also be an auction on the night.
For tickets, further info or to donate raffle or auction items or offer corporate sponsorship or support, email ultimatecharityevents@gmail.com or telephone 07596104332.
Photo used under Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user markus r.