Wirral Nurse to abseil down hospital where she and her premature baby fought for their lives
When Emily Millward takes on WUTH Charity’s Arrowe Park Abseil this September, it will be about much more than conquering a fear of heights.
For the 30-year-old nurse from Rock Ferry, it is an opportunity to give back to the hospital that cared for both her and her daughter, Erin, during the most difficult time of their lives.
In December 2023, Emily became critically ill during pregnancy and Erin was delivered 15 weeks early weighing only 1.5lbs at Arrowe Park Hospital, where both mother and baby received specialist care.
Now, less than three years later, Emily is preparing to descend the side of the very building where they were both cared for, raising money through WUTH Charity to help support future patients and families.
While Erin spent four months on the Trust's Neonatal Unit, Emily was cared for in Intensive Care as the teams supported them both through very difficult period.
Emily said: "Nothing prepares you for seeing your tiny baby fighting for her life from the very beginning.
"Because I was so poorly, I missed those precious first moments as a mum, which was heartbreaking. But I always knew Erin was being cared for by an incredible team.”
For four months, the Neonatal Unit became a second home for Emily, her husband James and their family.
She said: "Having a baby in neonatal is something no parent can ever truly prepare for. The staff celebrated every milestone with us and supported us through every setback. They cared not only for Erin, but for our whole family.
"At the same time, the Intensive Care team cared for me with compassion, kindness and understanding. We will never be able to thank them enough.”
When Erin came home in March 2024, Emily and her husband, James, made each other a promise that every year they would take on a fundraising challenge to thank the teams who had cared for their family.
Emily said: "This hospital gave both Erin and me a future.
"Taking part is my way of saying thank you to the incredible staff who cared for us and helping ensure other families continue to receive the same outstanding care and support."
Today, Erin is a happy little girl who continues to make progress following her premature birth.
Emily said: "After everything we have been through, every day together feels like a gift. Erin is the strongest, bravest little girl I know and I could not be prouder of her."
Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: "I’m really proud that our teams cared for both Emily and Erin through what was an incredibly difficult time. It is wonderful to see Emily now taking the time to give something back to help future patients and families. I wish her the best of luck in the charity abseil."
Phil Crawford, Community Fundraiser for WUTH Charity, said: "Emily's story is a powerful reminder of the difference our hospitals make to local families every day. Every person who signs up will be helping us fund projects and services that make a real difference to patients, families and staff across our hospitals.
"We hope Emily's story inspires others to join her, whether that is by taking on the challenge themselves or supporting someone who is."
The Arrowe Park Abseil takes place on Friday 18th September. This year it is sponsored by Merseyrail which has selected WUTH Charity as its Charity of the Year.
There are still places left for people to sign up to the abseil and to take part, people can contact 0151 482 7788 or email wuth.charity@nhs.net.