Wollongong couple Mark and Sian had their baby boy Owen at 29 weeks weighing just 925 grams. In December last year, at 28 weeks, Sian was diagnosed with high blood pressure and immediately transferred from Wollongong to The Royal Hospital for Women in Randwick. The Royal was able to care for Sian in the Acute Care Pregnancy Ward and Baby Owen was taken straight to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) when he was born.

Very quickly, they found themselves away from home, and away from their family and network, staying in temporary accommodation in Randwick while Owen received around the clock care for five weeks.

Mark, Sian and Owen are now at home in Wollongong and will be able to spend the Easter weekend together. Watch their full story below

At any one time, one in five families at The Royal will have travelled from outside of sydney and are either staying at The Royal or nearby accommodation while their loved ones are being cared for. There are families who urgently need accommodation, and new parents who are having a tough time and need help with essentials. If you are able to help, from your family to theirs, your donation will make a huge difference giving a family in need a groceries gift voucher or accommodation support.