A Durham mother developed post-natal depression when her son was born unexpectedly at 36 weeks.
Everything was going according to plan before pregnant Emily Kelly went for a routine growth scan at 36 weeks in May last year, as baby Patrick seemed a little bit small. However, he was found to have intrauterine growth restrictions, and before she could even process it, Emily was wheeled off for an emergency caesarean section.
Emily and her husband Sean were then in hospital for two weeks with Patrick, as nurses tried to increase his extremely low blood sugar levels, on account of his 4lb 14oz birth weight. Eventually, the levels corrected themselves and the family could go home.
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But Emily developed post-natal depression after the sudden birth.
Around four months later, charity Leo's Neonatal came into the story, as Emily was referred to them by her health visitor. Within days, they had sorted out counselling sessions for her, which Emily credits as being the reason she can be the best mother possible.
Now she wants to give back, and is taking part in a charity skydive to raise money for the organisation.
She said: "When we were in hospital with Patrick I went through a range of emotions. I was upset, scared, worried and generally uncertain about what was going to happen. This carried over into the next few months and affected my mental health.
"The support and counselling that I have been given by Leo's has had such a profound impact on my life, and I wouldn't have been able to be the mam that I want to be without it. Katie who works for Leo's has had a similar experience, and there is no better feeling than having someone to lean on and talk to who understands what you are going through.
"That's why I've decided to give something back, by doing a skydive to raise money for Leo's. I have also roped Katie into doing it, and two other parents are also involved. I really want to do something crazy, and I feel like I can take on the world now that I am a mam."
The skydive took place on Sunday at Shotton Airfield in County Durham, and the four participants are hoping that their daredevil feat will inspire people to donate and support Leo's. At the time of writing, £850 had been raised.
Leo’s offers a selection of support for families, and to the neonatal community. They cover the North East with their services costing in excess of £100,000 a year to run, which is why fundraising like this is so important.
To donate to Emily's Just Giving page click the link here.
