Bradley and Ellis Thompson’s Story

In loving memory of Ellis.

On the 20th November 2001 our son (Bradley Shane) and daughter (Ellis) were born at the RVI Newcastle 9½ weeks early. Bradley weighed 3lb 12oz and Ellis weighed 3lb 2oz.   Unfortunately our daughter only survived for 2 hours as there were a number of complications.

A few hours after we lost Ellis, Bradley was transferred to Stockton-on-tees hospital for a duration of one week until there was available room back in the special care baby unit at the RVI.

This time was one of mixed emotions. We were mourning the loss of our daughter and going through a very worrying time with Bradley, coupled with leaving our five year old daughter (Chelsea) at home with grandparents.

The one-to-one care Bradley received at Stockton, particularly by one member of staff (Denise Carr), was exceptional and the fact that we could stay just along the corridor from Bradley made things a bit easier at this difficult time.

Bradley returned to the RVI the following week and spent a further four weeks in their great care and made great progress.  Returning back to the Newcastle  made things a lot easier for grandparents and friends to visit, and importantly was closer to Chelsea, who could come and visit  her little brother more frequently having gone through a very traumatic time.

Again the care and staff were fantastic, and made all the difference. Dr Fenton led a fantastic team and Sara, Claire and Joyce were a credit to the Unit. We were all so grateful for everything they did and with their help, support and hard work Bradley came home the day before Christmas Eve.

Over ten years have passed now and Bradley has grown up so much, one wouldn’t think looking at him that he was born prematurely.  The Special Care Baby Unit remains a place close to all of our hearts and one to which we are so truly grateful.

The Thompson family chose to donate to Tiny Lives

“This cause was especially close to Bradley & Chelsea’s late grandfather Jim, who sadly passed away on 18th August 2011 after a nine month battle with lung cancer.  It was one of their grandad’s final wishes that instead of flowers for his funeral, he wanted all donations to be made to the Special Care Baby Unit at the RVI, which totalled a staggering £1100. It makes us all so very happy knowing it is going to such a worthy cause.”