It was a beautiful act of kindness from a very special baby girl that touched the hearts of families and staff at the Ulster Hospital’s neonatal unit.
Hope Jackson, a former patient from Comber, returned to donate story books to the unit that once cared for her.
She arrived nine weeks early, at just 31 weeks, on January 27 last year.
To mark her first birthday, her family invited loved ones to gift books that could be donated to the neonatal unit. Knowing what they experienced when Hope was there, her parents believed this small gesture would help bring comfort to parents and babies going through a similar experience.
Baby Hope on her birthday
Hope’s mum Ruth Jackson said: “When Hope was in the neonatal unit, reading to her was such a comfort. It helped develop our bond and helped drown out the noise of the machines.
“These books will hopefully give other families a chance to develop their bond.”
Hope’s family expressed their deep gratitude to the unit, acknowledging the dedication of the staff who played a vital role in Hope’s journey.
Infant feeding lead Cathy Flinn was delighted to receive the books: “We really value and appreciate baby Hope’s donation to our unit as reading is so important for a baby’s neurological development.”