I'm fundraising for The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation
Having a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is something you’ve hopefully never had to even comprehend. We certainly hadn’t given it much thought until it became our entire world last August.
Our daughter Violet spent 77 days in The Royal Hospital for Women NICU after she was born extremely prematurely at 26 weeks. Violet weighed just shy of 700g and received life-saving care in the NICU.
While we knew she was in the best possible care, nothing can prepare you for leaving your baby behind in an incubator with complete strangers night after night. So it’s difficult to put into words the gratitude we feel for the staff at the RHW.
We were already very familiar with the RHW as we’d been attending appointments from 16 weeks into the pregnancy. After our initial elation that we were expecting identical twin girls, we were devastated to learn they had Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome, meaning they shared unequal amounts of the placenta’s blood supply. The prognosis was bleak: no intervention is almost always fatal for one or both twins. An operation to diffuse the connecting blood vessels once the condition progressed was our only hope. We had to attend ultrasounds twice a week that were performed by leading doctors in the Maternal-Fetal Medicine department. Tragically, our daughter Rose passed away before we were able to have the surgery. On top of our grief for Rose, we then faced an agonising wait to see if her passing had affected Violet.
Thankfully, the MRI came back normal, but we didn’t have long to process what was going on as a few days later, my waters broke. I spent the next four days in Acute Care trying to stave off labour with a few false alarms until there was no more intervention to be done and the twins were born, with Violet whisked straight to the NICU.
There, Violet exceeded all expectations. She was tiny but mighty. She slowly began to gain weight while gradually being weaned off breathing support. From only being allowed out of her incubator for one hug a day to feeding seven times a day in an open cot, we couldn’t have been prouder.
This all happened during the first Covid outbreak meaning tight restrictions were in place and we could only see Violet one parent at a time, which was especially traumatic given the circumstances. And outside the hospital, we were unable to get the same family support we would have had we not been living through a pandemic. As it stands, Violet's family in Scotland have still not been able to see her in person.
What we can reflect on now, nearly a year on, is how you don't ever know you'll need these services until you're in desperate need. From state of the art ultrasound equipment to incubators.
We met literally hundreds of RHW workers during our pregnancy and birth journey, from the Twin Clinic, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, the Acute Care Ward, Social Work and everyone working in the NICU ward. We could never have imagined needing the care of so many superhumans during what was a complex situation from the word go. There are too many people to mention, but we won’t forget the impact they each had - we are eternally grateful.
So, to celebrate Violet’s upcoming 1st birthday, and in Rose’s memory, we’re fundraising for The Royal Hospital For Women. Any donation at all would be very much appreciated.
Thank you for reading our story.
With love,
Lorna and Liam
Thank you to my Sponsors
$1.01k
Kyle Wright
$676
Lorna Schofield
$350
The Pest2kill Team
Hi Lorna and Liam, We read your story and it really touched our hearts. The Royal’s NICU is incredible! We wish you and your beautiful little family all the best for the future. Violet is lovely and we are so pleased to hear she’s thriving :-) With love from The Pest2Kill team xxx
$208
Sarah Macrae
To all the staff at RHW, thank you for all you do. To Violet, the smiliest superstar of all, thank you for being a ray of sunshine in the year that was. To Rose, you’re in my thoughts forever and ever. And to mum and dad, you guys have been nothing short of phenomenal. You are literally the best xxx
$208
Louise & Barry Crockett
Lorna, Liam & Violet, what can I say - you've faced such a challenging time amidst a major health crisis and what you've been through is something that would break a lot of people. I can't even imagine the emotional turmoil you've had to deal with in the last year but we are so incredibly proud of all of you ❤️ Thinking of you often and saying a prayer for Rose, your special angel 💜 What a thoughtful way to pay tribute to her memory and I'm sure all the staff who benefit from these donations will be extremely grateful for your support 😘 I hope we can meet your gorgeous girl some day soon - Happy Birthday Violet 🎁🥳🎈✨😘...all our love, Louise, Barry, Elena & Felicity x x x x
$208
Nat & Josh
Happy birthday Violet & Rose and thank you to the RHW for all that you do xx
$208
Grant Nichols
Your journey reinforces why this is a great cause
$208
Phil And Belinda Chippindale
A very worthy cause. Thanks for sharing your story - indeed, an amazing facility, and one that is not well known of. Good on you for raising some funds and awareness!
$208
Amy, Damien And Gracie Hall
For my friend Lorna- who was such an important support during the horror time that was 'NICU'... you kept me sane and your face is etched on my heart. To darling Violet and your heaveanly sister, Rose- you are both so blessed to have such a strong, kind and resilient woman for your Mam! Love and big hugs on your first birthday- God bless you all xoxo
$183.04
Mark And Morven
$1 more than Mary 👍
$156
Mary Gray
Much love to all in Australia and thanks to Lorna and Liam for being so brave and making us so proud. The reunion will be everything to us. Mum and Dadxxxxxx
$156
Amy Kennelly
What a great cause and a lovely tribute to Rose. Love to see the joy Violet has brought into your lives in the past year, you are fantastic parents! Violet, I can't wait to meet you!
$156
Nikki & Andrew
Thanks to the amazing RHW for all you have done for Lorna, Liam, Violet and Angel Rose. Mummy and Daddy Schofield, you are incredible and Violet is so lucky to have you. Violet, you are a superstar! Rose, you are always in our hearts! (And Haggis, keep looking after them all).
$156
Jamie Cummins
All our love Jamie and Brad x
$156
Anna Kovarik
$156
Tim Mitchell
Wishing you well Lorna and Liam - Tim
$156
Stuart Wilton
$156
Melanie Garrett
Have a fantastic birthday little Violet & my thoughts are with you Lorna & Liam . Looking forward to seeing You all hopefully in the near future. Melanie & John Garrett xx
$156
Kian Kunvarji
To Violet, I’m so glad we became friends in the NICU. I hope this helps the hospital look after other babies like us. Your pal, Kian.
$156
Bel Cheung
Thank you for sharing your story and the shedding light on the amazing work that the RHW do. Wishing your little family all the best!
$104
Annabel Hodges
So in awe of warrior Violet, her super parents and all the staff who helped give you strength. Love to you all and to your little Rose. xx
$104
Ellie Mcdonald
$104
Anna, Pat & Rupert Milner
$104
Ali Gimson
We are so lucky to have you in our life, gorgeous Violet. We will always remember Rose ❤️ Love always, Ali, Tim & Saffy
$104
Alexis Teasdale
All my love to you, such a beautiful, brave and strong family. This is such a beautiful way to celebrate Violet and Rose. Thank you for sharing with us xxx
$104
Samuel , Manola & Louie Waller
Happy Birthday, Violet. You are simply a Superstar! ..Rose you are in our heart! Lots of love to Lorna and Liam. You guys are amazing!!!
$104
Gemma & Daz
Beautiful way to pay tribute to your girls and all the amazing support and help you received. You are amazing Lorna, Liam and wee Violet. 👼 Rose will be super proud. Love to you all and we look forward to seeing you guys back in the motherland and giving you the biggest hug when possible 💞 xxx
$104
Alicia Melville
Happy Birthday our little warrior Violet and angel baby Rose. Thank you nurses for all that you did for this beautiful family xx
$104
Laura Reeves
Happy early birthday Violet! What an amazing way to keep Rose’s legacy going too. Thinking of you all at this important milestone. Lots of love, Laura, Marc and Henry xxx
$104
Leisa Demerdash
For Violet and Rose and their truly incredible parents xxx
$104
Linzi Graham
For the love of children 💜
$104
Rona Garrett
Lovely thing to do, Happy 1st Birthday Violet. In loving memory of precious Rose. You will all be an inspiration to other parents. XX
$104
Mimi, Alex And Otis
Happy 1st birthday beautiful Violet - you are one tough cookie!! And in loving memory of your sister Rose xxx
$104
Mahalia Chang
Happy birthday lovely Violet and sweet Rose. My heartfelt thank you to RHW for their immeasurable work, and all my love to the Schofields, your strength and heart are awe-inspiring. Mahalia x
$104
Trent, Cherry, Oscar And Griffin
$104
Sharon Schofield
To our beautiful little girls Rose and Violet love you to the moon and back lots of love Grandma💖💖
$104
Mitchell Reylin
$104
Alexandra Koolman
$104
Nick Pritchett
$104
John Mcmahon
Sending all my love to your beautiful fam. Miss you xxx
$104
Laura & Joel
You are all incredible and my thoughts and love are with you constantly ❤️ Xxx
$104
Carol Quin
Dear Lorna & Liam, a wonderful tribute to Violet, Rose and RWS. Your story shows such amazing strength on your journey to parenthood. Carol (Sarah’s Mum) x
$104
James Redfern
Hi Lorna and Liam, I’m sorry to read about the very challenge experience you had last year and well done on raising money for a great cause. Regards, James and Nina
$104
Joe & Renee
You guys are amazing parents...and this is a great cause. All the best
$104
Doug Hoskins
$104
Nicholas George Gaston
Hi Lorna & Liam, You guys are doing great work - thank you. Lots of love! Nick & Kristy. xxx
$104
Lauren Rutter
Brave little girl! Happy Birthday Violet. Much love to you all! Xxx
$104
Lisa Collie
Sending love 🥰
$104
Jen Kang
For Violet, Rose and her incredible parents.
$104
Jo Stanton
Violet is a little trouper, she melts my heart every time I see her . Lorna and Liam you guys are incredible parents, you’re strong, and resilient, and beautiful human beings. Angel Rose will always be in our hearts. ❤️ To the staff at RHW what an amazing job you do .
$104
Laura Muirhead
Lots of love Laura & Charlie xx
$104
Jonesy
$104
Cassidy Loane
Happy Early Birthday to superstar Violet and angel Rose, always in our hearts. And to Lorna and Liam ❤️ Your strength is incredible, we are all in awe. Lots of love Cass & Dyson xxx
$104
Allan Gray
Wee bit extra from Grandma and Papaxx
$104
Natasha Tetlow
$104
Katherine Welsby
$104
Arthur Rankine
Happy Birthday Violet! It’s hard to believe it was a year ago that we became great buddies in the NICU, meeting you was a highlight and I’m sure we will be friends forever. I hope you have a super special 1st Birthday and I’m looking forward to hanging out soon. Thanks for sharing your birthday present with the other babies who need help in the NICU. PS. Our mummies are really cool. Love Arthur.
$83.20
Kim, Bobby & Harvey Saeheng
What a wonderful way to celebrate Violet and in memory of Rose. Lots of love xxx
$62.40
Catriona & John
Always remembering Rose and wishing Violet a lovely first birthday. Can’t wait to meet that cheeky little face. Proud of you and Liam - you have played a blinder! Love always, Aunty Trina & Uncle John xx
$62.40
Susannah And Chris Kohler
For two brilliant little girls and their sensational parents xxx
$52
David Macneil
All our love, Dave & Tom ❤️💜 xx
$52
Polly Taylor
$52
Joshua Joynes
Happy Birthday to your gorgeous girls!
$52
Leigh Campbell
To your beautiful daughters. Love Leigh x
$52
Aja Walter
For your beautiful girls, with the strongest mumma x
$52
Samantha Mcmeekin
Lots of love to all the superheroes at the RHW, the bravest mum and dad in the world and two incredible girls on their first birthday, Violet & Rose. Xx
$52
Sandra Pepi
$52
Fiona
For your two baby girls - and the amazing staff at the Royal Women’s. Xx Fiona
$52
Georgie Haigh
To a very special family and everyone at RHW. All our love, Georgie, Ben and Louis x x
$52
Callan & Crystal
$52
Jenny Azzopardi
With much love for you all and the incredible staff who have supported you xxx
$52
Angie Thompson
$52
Jane Waterhouse
Happy birthday Violet and sending love and light to little Rose xx
$52
Jonah Waterhouse
Happy birthday to beautiful Violet, and in loving memory of Rose. xx
$52
Stephen Michalopoulos
$52
Erin Beaumont
$52
Shari
Happiest of birthdays Violet! You’re one super little lady who’s strength is undeniable. You get that from your wonderful parents. Lots of love, Shari & Josie x
$52
Margaret Feeney
Happy birthday to Violet, can’t wait to meet her when you eventually manage to get back to Scotland for a visit. Love seeing photos of her. What a lovely tribute to Rose too. Much love to you all. xx
$52
Jaki, Martin, Emilie And Alba
Happy first birthday Violet, how far you have come! And what a wonderful way to honour little Rose. Love from all of us xxx
$52
Diandra Malivindi
Lots of love to you both, your beautiful girls Violet and Rose, and the amazing team at RHW xx
$52
Susan Taylor
Happy Birthday wee Violet So looking forward to meeting you
$52
Tracey Tyley
Sending love and birthday wishes, we are so proud of you and the beautiful family you are. X the Tyley’s
$52
Mairi And Bill Ronald
What powerful words from an amazingly strong family. You 3 have come through so much and just look at you now. We are amazingly proud of you and cannot wait to meet Violet and hug you all very tightly. Sending so much love at this special time and remembering your perfect Rose. With love from Mairi and Bill xxxx
$52
Bella Brennan
What a beautiful tribute Lorna. Sending love to you, Liam and your girls xxx
$52
Ben Doyle
$52
Laura Ridgway
Love to you and your family. Fergs x
$52
Kaz & Scottyboy
Thank you to RWH for the care and support they have given to you, Liam, Rose and Violet. We can't wait until we can see you again and meet beautiful Violet. Big squishy hugs and love, xxxxx
$52
Liz Kochergin
The strength you all have is really admirable! Happy birthday Violet and sending love to Rose. xx
$52
Kim Kent
What a perfect gift for such a worthy cause and in memory of Violets’ sister Rose. I loved reading every bit of your story.
$52
Nathan Guo
$52
Tony Seo
I know how hard it has been for you and Lorna. But we are very happy for the family that Violet is growing healthy and strong. Emily and I have always had you guys in our prayers.
$52
Lax Kumaranayakam
Great cause Liam and Lorna! Happy 1st birthday to Violet!
$52
Stephen Dale
$52
Devin And Zoe Kaplan
Amazing initiative ❤️
$52
Mathew Judd
$52
Steven + Aaron
Happy Birthday Violet, can’t wait to see you all ❤️
$52
Gillian, Murray, Cameron And Jamie
A beautiful tribute to wee angel Rose and her amazingly strong and gorgeous sister Violet. Well done to all the staff at the Royal hospital for Woman who Im sure we’re absolutely pivotal to helping Lorna and Liam through a very difficult time! Keep up the amazing work xxx
$52
Lynsey & Chris
What an incredible family you are! Hopefully see you and meet Violet soon xx
$41.60
Greg Thomson
$41.60
Michelle Helderman
So proud of how far little Violet has come. Watching her grow into such a healthy baby has been nothing short of a miracle. This could not have been possible without the incredible work of the team at RHW - thankyou so much for all you have done. Happy Birthday to Violet and Rose - forever in our thoughts. Lots of love xxx
$36.40
Lindsay Usher
To our 2 gorgeous girls and their incredible parents. We are so proud of you and your amazing strength. We can’t wait to meet you Violet and have the biggest snuggles (and teach you some geordie!!!!) Lots of love & hugs, Aunty Linz & Jamesy xx
$31.20
Kirsty Finlay
Loads of love Kirsty, Neil and Arlo xxx
$31.20
Lucy Cheek
What a journey you’ve all been on. Here’s to your precious girls 💜
$26
Ashley Lowe
I’m in awe of your strength and so thrilled that you are able to celebrate Violets first birthday in such a beautiful way.
$26
Jennifer Brewin
$26
Rachel Ross
Sending love to all 3 of you. What a lovely gesture for the both of your girls and a happy birthday Violet xxx
$26
Christian Fricke
$26
Holly Atkar
Big hugs to you all in Australia! You have all been so brave throughout. Violet is gorgeous and Rose will never be forgotten ❤️
$26
Matthew Souter
$26
Gretchen
Sending you and your girls so much love xx
$26
Anonymous
$26
Jess Chandra
Happy birthday Violet and Rose, thinking of your beautiful family 💜
$26
Jonathan Hannah
Wishing Violet the Happiest 1st Birthday. Love always! ❤️
$26
Ross & Em
A wonderful initiative guys x
$26
Elsie Struthers
Go girl!! You can achieve anything you want to. You are a Milton baby after all. 😁😁xxx
$26
Elsie :struthers
Sorted for exchange rate. Xx🥰
$26
Jack Coleman
Best wishes guys xo
$26
Eleonore Quint
All the best to your family! ❤️
$26
Melanie Hiscott
$26
Shona Tetlow
Lots of love. X
$25
Anonymous
$10.40
Darren Mcara
Amazing work, guys!👏🏻💜
Lots of love. Uncle.