Molly was born 16 weeks early whilst her family were on holiday in Cyprus. Exeter mum, Bethany, was with her husband Jan and two children, when she went into labour on the last day of their holiday.
Being born so early, Molly is receiving neonatal care at a hospital in Cyprus whilst Bethany is being cared for in a different hospital, an hour apart. Bethany is only allowed to see Molly for one hour a day, including any medical updates, which can mean that Bethany only has 20 minutes a day to bond with her new baby. Jan, Molly’s dad, had to fly home with their older children so Bethany is currently facing this difficult time alone. Dealing with the stress of a premature birth is traumatic in any situation, even more so in a foreign country where language is a barrier and this family has no support network around them.
In addition, the family face the cost of €1,000 (£860) each day for Molly’s medical care. It is essential that Molly is flown home to Exeter to receive neonatal care closer to home.
National charity Lucy Air Ambulance for Children (Lucy AAC), is providing financial assistance as well practical guidance and medical support for Molly’s safe air ambulance transfer home. Together with Molly’s family, they have raised £31,000 so far. Lucy AAC CEO, Charlotte Young, says:
“As a small national charity that is only permitted to operate in the UK, we are doing all we can to help Molly’s family. We have supported the family with the organisation of an air ambulance to fly Molly and her mum back from Cyprus to a hospital closer to home, where they can receive continuity of care from the NHS. We are reaching out to our networks to ask for additional help to get this family home.”
We are now reaching out to businesses and community groups local to the family from Cullompton, to help secure the final £14,000 needed for the air transfer. Bethany says:
“I am so thankful to my friends for finding out about the charity Lucy Air Ambulance for Children. Charlotte has been truly amazing and I really do believe that now we have their help we will get Molly safely back to the UK. We really need people’s kindness to continue in our effort to raise the money we so desperately need to get us home.”
If you are able, please consider making a donation towards Molly’s air transfer home. We want Molly to access the most appropriate neonatal care back in the UK, surrounded by her family and their support system – your support can make this happen.
If you would like to know more about Molly’s situation, please call Charlotte on 07795192952 or email charlotte.young@lucyaac.org.uk.
Hear from Molly's parents
Watch the video below to hear directly from Bethany and Jan when they were interviewed by ITV News West Country. They explain a bit more about their difficult situation and how important it is to bring her back to the UK.
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