Helping little hands

Most people have 9 months to prepare for their baby to enter the world, but for some, this time comes almost too soon, meaning ambulance rides to King Edwards hospital and early flights home from work.

Last year this is what happened to my close friends, Amy and Cai. Little Leo Daniel entered the world at only 27 weeks, weighing just 995 grams. From that moment they embarked on a 12 week stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). During this time of emotional stress and endless worry, Leo's health and well-being would change daily. He endured heart rate drop-outs, low oxygen levels and several blood transfusions. Leo also had to go through weekly invasive eye screening due to having stage one ROP, (Retinopathy of prematurity), which in extreme cases, can lead to blindness.

With all the unpredictability and uncertainty, we as family and friends gave as much emotional support as possible, but it was a charity called "Helping Little Hands" who provided practical assistance and help with daily essentials such as frozen meals, fuel vouchers and weekly deliveries of endless baked goods to the NICU parent's room. Whilst relieving some of the pressures of daily life and taking some of the stress away, "Helping Little Hands" allows loving parents like Amy and Cai to prioritize their time in the NICU and be there for the breakthroughs and milestones of their strong and courageous Leo the Lion ?

This October (2022) part sponsored by Komatsu, I am competing at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. I want to use this as an opportunity to give back to this amazing organisation. My goal is to raise $5000 for "Helping Little Hands" so they can continue supporting families of premature babies. Anything you can give would be appreciated.

P.S I am happy to report that thanks to his loving parents strength, the best medical care and a very supportive charity Leo the Lion is a healthy, smiling, chubby cheeked baby boy who loves having little chats with himself.