Olivia’s 400-mile journey home, born at 24 weeks
- rebeccawilson945
- 5 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Olivia was born at just 24+1 weeks while her parents were visiting family in Gillingham, more than 400 miles from home in Scotland. Given how premature she was, and her developing ROP, it was vital that she returned home to access a long-term neonatal care plan and further treatment.
Our charity arranged an air ambulance transfer by plane for Olivia from Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton to University Hospital Wishaw near Glasgow. We flew her in a mobile incubator, where she stayed snug and safe throughout the journey. The incubator allowed her to remain closely monitored and fully supported at every moment, and, as is often the case with neonatal transfers, she slept comfortably through the entire flight.
Her mum, Marion, flew with her, although she was far less relaxed than Olivia. As a nervous flyer, Marion felt anxious about the journey, but our medical team supported her throughout, offering reassurance and explaining everything step by step to help put her at ease.
The air transfer ensured Olivia received the right specialist care while keeping her family close during an incredibly challenging time.
“If it wasn’t for Lia’s Wings, we would probably still be in Southampton. I honestly don’t know how long we would have waited to get home if you didn't step in to get us.” – Marion, Olivia’s Mum
Olivia has come such a long way since we flew her closer to home. She’s grown so much, faced Retinopathy of Prematurity with incredible strength, and as her mum says, “she’s thriving.”
We don’t just fly families home and say goodbye at the door. We stay with them.
Through early days, long hospital stays, progress, setbacks, whatever they face. There’s no time limit on our support, and we really value the long relationships we build with families like Olivia’s.
We’re honoured to still be part of her journey and to celebrate all these milestones alongside her and her family.
