Grateful mum makes life-changing donation to hospital charity

A grateful mother from Solihull has helped to arrange a donation of state-of-the-art equipment to Heartlands Hospital Charity to support children treated at the hospital.

Leigh Dumighan was inspired to organise the donation because of the phenomenal care that staff at Heartlands Hospital gave to her son, Warwick.

When he was born, Warwick was immediately transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Heartlands Hospital where Leigh was told to prepare for the worst.

Despite this Warwick made it through and continued to visit hospital regularly throughout his childhood.

This is why Leigh wanted to give back and helped to provide a specialist seat to be used by the Heartlands Neonatal and Paediatric Occupational Physiotherapists.

It will help young patients with disabilities develop an ideal seating position and lumbar support.

Thanks to Leigh, Etac, the company that makes the seat, the R82: x:panda shape, have chosen to donate it to Heartlands Hospital.

Leigh said: “The first time I entered Heartlands NICU, I was numb, shocked, completely overwhelmed and I didn’t feel like a Mommy. From the second I walked in, that all changed because of the wonderful doctors and nurses.

“They didn’t just take care of our teeny-weeny baby, they took care of us.

“When they had to give us devastating news, they shared our emotion and gave us unwavering support. It was like they scooped us up and just looked after us.

“They made the toughest time in our lives a positive experience. 

“We expected my son Warwick to pass away. Defying the odds, he is now in sixth form!

“Heartlands Neonatal Unit is forever in our hearts because of the incredibly special people that work there, and we are so proud to call them our friends.”

The R82 x:panda shape is a highly adjustable infant seat, that helps babies to develop properly and have stability without stopping them from being able to interact with family and toys like any young baby or toddler.

When asked about her donation, Leigh said: “This chair would have been incredible to have at the start of our journey with Warwick.

“This type of support is key for these babies that need extra help and early intervention is essential.

“I cried when I first saw it because this is something I’ve craved to see made available.

“Specialist seating rarely looks attractive, which just makes families with disabilities like us feel like we don’t fit in.

“This seat gives flexibility and reassurance for parents and their children, and allows them to learn, be safe, and comfortable.

“I am honoured to be part of this donation, taking from one amazing company to a very worthy cause!”

Eve Chaeger, Paediatric and Neonatal occupational therapist at Heartlands Hospital, said: “I am unbelievably grateful to Leigh and Etac for this donation, and the Charity for organising it.

“This equipment is going to make a huge difference to our patients. Early postural seating is part of early intervention for infants that need specific developmental support. 

“The seat will also offer opportunities for sensory development of the world around, opportunities for play and learning, communication family members and loved ones, safe feeding, and much more.”

To find out more about what Heartlands Hospital Charity do to provide support to the young children that visit the hospital, and find out how you can help, visit the website.