Lagos resident Carol Minnis contacted Tomorrow to ask if we could publicise the heartbreaking story of her grandson, Finley.
Carol´s son Chris and his pregnant wife Louisa were on holiday in the Algarve when their beautiful little boy Finley Tomás Minnis was born on 12 September 2023. He was born 14 weeks early and weighed just 670g (1.5lb). He was cared for by the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) in Faro Hospital, which Louisa and Chris describe as “phenomenal”.
“The amazing team of doctors and nurses helped us to create a wonderful bond with our son. Helping to wash and change him, regularly holding him in Kangaroo (skin-to-skin contact when a baby is placed against the parent’s chest) and spending a lot of time getting to know our wonderful little boy and watching his feisty personality blossom.”
At just six weeks old Finley passed away in his parent’s arms. Chris and Louisa are heartbroken, but they are so grateful to the team at Faro Hospital for giving them this time together and creating such special moments to build the bond between them. His parents explain, “It was our opportunity to show our little boy just how much he was loved and he was never fighting alone.”
In order to keep Finley’s memory alive, Chris and Louise are raising funds for the NICU at Faro Hospital. The doctors and nurses became part of Finley’s family and most attended his funeral. Their love, care and resourcefulness were truly heartwarming.
However, some of the equipment specifically for Kangaroo and parent-baby bonding is in need of upgrading. “They do such good work that we want to make it that little bit easier for them. So, we want to help the NICU purchase new equipment to help make the Kangaroo set up easier and safer for both the parent, baby, and staff – new chairs, cushions and arms for holding the tubes and wires, and vests for supporting the little ones. Anything we can do to help future parents and babies build the same bond that we were lucky enough to have,” explain Chris and Louisa.
If you could give a donation so that more parents of premature babies may have the chance to enjoy another Christmas together, Chris and Louisa would be appreciative. All donations will go directly to the NICU ward.
