A couple are raising money for the St Helier Neonatal Department after their baby was born seven weeks early before being treated by the “amazing” staff at the hospital.

Baby Alaric was delivered early by C-Section because of an issue with the placenta.

The baby’s father, Matthew Gerdes-Hansen, believes this decision “saved my sons life” thanks to lead consultant Mr Matiluko. 

Baby Alaric weighed just 3lbs 3 ounces but because of intestine problems he couldn’t eat for four days resulting in his weight dropping to 2lbs 9 ounces.

“It was such a scary time,” Matthew said. “It’s not something we had ever been through before.

“It was made so much easier by the staff. Being in the unit for over three weeks gives you a completely different perspective of the NHS.”

Matthew added that the nurses “made everything understandable instead of bombarding us with medical terms”.

He continued: “One of the nice things is that all the staff genuinely care about the parents and babies.

“They know all the names and care for the babies on an emotional level by cuddling them when they’re crying.”

Matthew and his partner Sophie want to raise the £6,000 for the hospital to “give something back”.

“The incubator my son was in cost £20,000 pounds which is a life saving piece of equipment.

“I want to make sure that another baby has one if they need one in future.”

Alaric was Matthew and Sophie’s third child and last Friday they were allowed to return home after three weeks in hospital.

The couple also want to host a fund raising event in the green space opposite St Helier Hospital to help raise the money.

They are currently in talks with Sutton Council about the event which they hope to confirm for the last Saturday of August.

Matthew said: “It should be a big event, we want to have a fun fair there and Sutton Council said it should be fine.”

“We’re getting really positive feedback,” Matthew said about their hopes of raising the £6,000.

“The local community feels very strongly about St Helier. There’s a lot of negativity around it at times.

“There’s strong passions for it and people can really get behind a decent cause.”

You can donate to the justgiving page here https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/alaric?utm_id=106&utm_term=XG3EAbw6W