Louis travels home after being born prematurely during a family trip to Disneyland Paris
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Katie and Steve had set off on what was meant to be a fun, family break to Disneyland Paris with their two children before the arrival of their new baby, when plans changed suddenly.
At just 31 weeks gestation, while on holiday, Katie unexpectedly went into labour and gave birth to baby Louis via emergency c-section. Instead of returning home with just holiday memories, the family found themselves in a completely different world, just two miles away from the magical resort, in the unfamiliar world of neonatal intensive care at the Grand Hôpital de l'Est Francilien.
While Louis received specialist care in Paris, Katie and Steve had to think of the whole family's needs, and Steve returned to the UK with their older children so he could get back to work and ensure that they could return to school. Katie stayed behind in Paris with baby Louis, moving into an Airbnb near the hospital as their short trip extended indefinitely.
Although Katie and Louis received excellent care and support in Paris, the distance that divided the family weighed heavily on them all. As did the uncertainty of how to get home safely with Louis. Katie missed her children so much, including school performances she had looked forward to, while the children in the UK also missed their mum. The uncertainty of how long they would be separated added to the emotional strain, as they tried to navigate an entirely unplanned life far from home.
In the midst of this, Katie began searching for support and a way forward. That’s when they found Lia’s Wings, the only UK charity supporting families who are facing a medical crisis abroad.
That first conversation changed everything.
Katie says:
“I remember being in my Airbnb the first time and speaking to you [Lia’s Wings] on the phone. It was like a huge weight had been lifted, as I felt like I wasn’t on my own and we had a way forward. I called Steve straight after to tell him we had a plan!”
From that moment, we supported the family, bringing reassurance, confidence and practical guidance during this complex time. One of the first steps was helping to obtain an emergency travel document for Louis, enabling him to return home safely to the UK.
As Louis grew stronger, the focus shifted to planning his journey home. Although he was progressing well in Paris, the thought of moving him was still nerve-racking for Katie and Steve, so we provided calm guidance throughout, helping them feel informed and supported at every stage.
Aeromedical transfers are our charity’s specialist area, but we always prioritise choosing the safest and most appropriate transport for each child and family. In Louis’s case, it was the Easter holidays, a particularly busy time for travel, and he was medically stable. With both parents wanting to travel with him, and considering the short distance between Paris and his local hospital in Harlow, a road ambulance was the safest and most suitable option.
Louis travelled in a Baby Pod, providing a safe, snug environment designed for more stable babies who need less intensive care during transport. Throughout the journey, the medical team ensured careful coordination, continuity of care, and clear handovers between medical teams in France and the UK. We collaborated closely with our partner SkyCare Repatriation to deliver this transfer.
Once back in the UK, Louis had a short stay at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow before being discharged home. This final step ensured that all follow-up care was in place, giving the family confidence as they settled back together.
After arriving at the new hospital, Katie sent an emotional voice note reflecting just how significant that moment felt:
“Thank you so, so much, Lia’s Wings. We feel a bit emotional now that we’re home. I think it’s the relief. Thank you for everything. What a team, with the ambulance crew and Lou (the Transport Nurse), an awesome woman. We chatted about everything. She was so on the ball, did a great handover with our lovely nurses in France and has just done a handover here. We couldn’t be more grateful to you and everyone. The care pack and books are just beautiful. Thank you.”
Finally home, the family were reunited and able to begin building a life as a family of five.
Katie later shared her gratitude:
“Thank you, Charlotte, and thank you so, so much to Lia’s Wings for all your support! It has helped me so much… Thank you for getting Louis safely home and back with the crazy gang! Thank you also for the regular voice notes and guidance with the emergency travel document. It all really did help.”
Even after everything they have been through, Katie is now using her experience to help other families, sharing what she learned about obtaining emergency travel documents so that others facing similar crises feel less alone and more prepared.
We are so proud we could be there for Louis and his family, and know that big brother, Teddy and big sister, Charlotte, will be the best siblings he could ever hope for!
