Sienna flies from Glasgow to Chester for neonatal care closer to home

“Something I never imagined happening – giving birth over 300 miles from home, to a premature baby who needed extra support.”

This was the unexpected reality for Lucy, Sienna’s mum.

Sienna was born at 34 weeks in Glasgow, over 300 miles from home

Lucy and her partner, Kurt, were enjoying a short holiday in Scotland before the birth of their first child. But when Lucy went into labour five weeks early, their world turned upside down. Baby Sienna arrived at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Glasgow, far from family, friends, and everything familiar.

“I want to say a huge thank you to the incredible team at Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley Neonatal Unit. Their kindness, expertise, and support during such a scary time are beyond words,” says Lucy.

“I’ll never truly be able to thank them enough – what they do every single day is nothing short of remarkable.”

Sienna was initially cared for at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Royal Alexandra Hospital in Glasgow

After several anxious days, Sienna was well enough to be moved closer to home. When it came time to think about getting home, the anxiety and stress were overwhelming for Lucy and Kurt. Thankfully, their local neonatal unit in Chester was happy to accept Sienna, but how to get there safely?

That’s when Lia’s Wings stepped in.

Our flight crew loading Sienna, in a mobile incubator, onto the plane

“They flew little Sienna and me all the way back to Chester, with a neonatal consultant and nurse alongside us to make the journey safe, calm, and even happy. I can’t put into words the relief and gratitude we feel. I’ll never forget what these people have done for us.”

Our Flight Nurse, Iva, caring for Sienna whilst onboard

The family kindly shared their experience with their family and friends to help raise funds for other families, an incredibly kind gesture.

Thanks to our support, Sienna was able to receive the neonatal care she needed at her local specialist unit, surrounded by familiar faces and growing stronger every day. She was given access to a long-term care plan, something she couldn't have been offered in Scotland, as her stay there was expected to be short. After making steady progress, Sienna was discharged and finally able to go home with her mum and dad.

We’re so grateful to have been a part of Sienna’s journey home.

Sienna with her Lia Bear after being discharged home