Devoted parents raise money for neo-natal unit as staff care for baby Alora who was born weighing just 1lb 2oz

Devoted parents Lauren Coates and Simon Haley are fund-raising to help the medical staff who have treated their tiny baby daughter ‘like she is their own’.
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Lauren and fiance Simon, from Seaham were due to welcome their first child at the end of May.

But little Alora had other plans and put in her appearance on February 8, 24 weeks and four days into Lauren’s pregnancy and weighing just 1lb and 2oz.

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Alora was given a 50/50 chance of survival but has almost doubled her weight while being cared for in Sunderland Royal Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and now Lauren, 26, and 31-year-old Simon are looking forward to being able to take their baby girl home.

Alora in the neo-natal unit and with her mum and dadAlora in the neo-natal unit and with her mum and dad
Alora in the neo-natal unit and with her mum and dad

Lauren had a difficult pregnancy but was still taken aback when Alora arrived so early: “It was completely out of the blue,” she said.

"I had had problems with my pregnancy all the way and I was hospitalised on the maternity ward the day before she came. I went into hospital then she was born within 36 hours.

"It was all a bit of a blur.”

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Lauren and Simon with AloraLauren and Simon with Alora
Lauren and Simon with Alora

The couple set up a Go Fund Me page to raise money for the intensive care unit as a thank you for the standard of care Alora has received. They hoped to reach £1,000 but have so far raised almost £2,500.

"The team there are absolutely amazing,” said Lauren.

“They have just treated her like she is their own.

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“My due date was May 28, but they are saying that because she is doing so well, she could come home a bit earlier, so she could be home in the next six weeks or so.”

The Covid pandemic has meant Lauren and Simon have been unable to stay on the ward full-time: “Having a premature baby is difficult enough but having a premature baby during a pandemic is even worse,” said Lauren.

“We only get to see her during visiting times, but we know she is in good hands.”

The money raised will be used for items which are not covered by NHS funding, such as teddies/comforters, blankets, muslins and clothes, as well as helping with decorating the ward.

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