A family whose premature baby, born at only 26 weeks and weighing less than a kilo, received four vital blood transfusions, appealed for more people to donate blood and give the gift of life this Christmas, and want people to remember - and act upon - their message in the New Year.
Baby Alexandria, from Scotland, was born extremely prematurely and had to spend over three months in hospital. She faced challenges after being born prematurely and was the recipient of four blood transfusions. Now, her mother, Nicolle, is calling for people to donate more blood and help save lives this Christmas.
“After 102 days in hospital, in April this year, we brought our baby home”, Nicolle said. “She had been through so much in her wee life already. She was intubated at birth, needed oxygen support at home, and received four blood transfusions”.
“Her dad Dan and I believe she is our total miracle and our warrior princess. We absolutely cannot wait to celebrate her first Christmas”.
“She never gave up. To the blood donors who helped give her a chance at life – thank you for giving us our world”.
The percentage of people in Scotland who donate blood has decreased over the past decade from 3% to under 2%. This decline puts pressure on hospitals, according to the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS), which may need blood to help save the lives of premature babies like Alexandria. These donations are especially important because blood has a shelf life of only 35 days, so regular donations are always needed.