LISTEN: TinyLife launch new event for World Prematurity Day

By David Hunter

A new event to raise awareness of premature births in Northern Ireland is being championed by a locally established charity. 

TinyLife is preparing to celebrate it's 30th anniversary next year, and have launched the Premvember campaign to celebrate. 

The charity offers support to parents and children after a premature birth. 

It works across all seven health and social care trusts in Northern Ireland and is working with around 700 families per year. 

It's estimated that six babies arrive into the world early every day in Northern Ireland, which mounts up to around 2,000 premi-births every year. 

World Prematurity Day takes place every year on 17 November, raising awareness and support for those who need it. 

TinyLife has grown into a Northern Ireland wide support network, while also investing in significant research projects.

This year TinyLife is launching thirty days of Tea & Tots fundraising opportunities. 

Laura Moreland gave birth to her daughter, Amy, in July 2015. She arrived seven weeks early and weighed just 4lbs 8oz. 

Amy required constant care for several months as she struggled to feed and was deemed at extremely high risk to infection and disease. 

Now at the age of two mother and baby are doing well. Amy also has two brothers Jack (8) and Daniel (3).

Laura's been speaking to QRadio's David Hunter about her experience.

Head of Communications and Fundraising, Val Cromie said, "By organising a fundraising event hosts are assured that every penny raised goes to Northern Ireland's premature babies."

"Over 2000 babies are born too soon, too small or too sick in Northern Ireland. Some arrive as early as 24 weeks, weighing as little as 1lb/454 grams, the same weight as half a bag of sugar!"

"At this understandably very stressful time for parents, TinyLife is there to provide practical advice, emotional support and to give a helping hand to families who have a baby in a neonatal intensive care unit, with their network of Family Support Officers in every neonatal unit across Northern Ireland, ensuring parents receive optimum support in hospital, at home and within the community. "