52 Lives

Life #123

Request: Baby gifts and christmas cards

This week, we want to help a family from the Midlands who have been homeless, and have a very ill baby girl. They were nominated by a staff member at the hospital.

Elizabeth is nearly 4 months old. She has been in hospital since she was born, as she had complex liver and heart problems. After months of operations and procedures, Elizabeth's mum and dad have just been told that there is nothing else that can be done for their baby girl. They are devastated. The hospital is ready to discharge Elizabeth into the care of her parents so they can spend however many months she has left at home together, creating some lovely memories.

But there is a problem. Elizabeth's mum and dad are Romanian, and have been in England for just over a year. Her dad was doing seasonal work to support his wife and daughter, but that came to an end in August and due to Elizabeth's health he hasn't been able to work since then. They have been living in Ronald McDonald House, which is for families who have children in the hospital but when Elizabeth is discharged they will have to leave.

The hospital staff have been working hard to liaise with social services and the council to help secure them accommodation that will be suitable for Elizabeth, and have finally had a breakthrough - they are being provided with council accommodation.

But before Elizabeth can come home they need to have the right things for her - they have nothing and very little money to buy anything with.

This couple is living every new parent's worst nightmare. They don't know how long they will have with Elizabeth, but they want to make the most of every month. With your help, we want to help them bring Elizabeth home, and let them know they aren't alone. 

What We Need

1. Baby things - we have set up an Amazon wishlist for the family filled with all the things they need for Elizabeth. We also added in some gift cards and Christmassy things to help their new house feel like home for their first Christmas with their baby girl. To buy something from the wishlist, please click the link below.

2. Christmas cards - to let them know they aren't alone. If you'd like to send a card, please post it to: 52 Lives (Life 123), PO Box 329, Hampton, TW12 9DF.

Very sadly, little Elizabeth passed away very soon after we asked for help. We are sending all our thoughts and love to her family at this horrible time. Thank you to everyone who sent messages, gifts and support for them. They are going through such a difficult time, and we just hope that your kindness can give them a little bit of comfort. xx