Family’s thanks to hospital charity

Rory Wallin’s twin boys, Louie and Leo, spent the first three weeks of their lives in intensive care and a special care baby unit after they were born prematurely in November 2014.

Once they were back home in Mirfield, one-month-old Louie had cold-like symptoms and was struggling to drink from his bottles.

One morning in December, Louie didn’t wake up for his feed and was blue in the face – Rory had to keep him breathing before the ambulance arrived to take him to hospital.

He was rushed to Calderdale Royal Hospital, Halifax, where he was diagnosed as having a very severe form of bronchiolitis, an infection of the small passages in the lungs.

He was later transferred for specialist treatment in intensive care at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

Louie spent four days on a life support machine to give him a better chance of fighting the virus.

Rory and his fiancée, Victoria, were able to stay close by along with Leo and their daughter, Scarlet, thanks to The Sick Children’s Trust.

Treetop House, its ‘home from home’ accommodation, gives the parents of children like Louie and Leo a place to stay while they are treated at the children’s hospital.

Rory said: “We live over an hour away and also had a then 21-month-old daughter as well as Louie’s twin, Leo. It was a great relief to be able to all stay together and it made things so much easier.

“The staff at Treetop House were fantastic and the facilities are great. It was brilliant because it meant our other children didn’t miss out on seeing Vic and I.”

Once Louie was out of danger, he was transferred back to Calderdale Royal Hospital for three more days before being discharged. He has continued to make a recovery since leaving hospital.

Sunday May 24 the family will host a charity auction in the Airedale Heffer.

The evening will include a swing band, comedian and buffet.

Tickets are £10 (children under 16 are free) and doors open at 7.30pm.