‘Tiny Steps for Preemie Babies’

A 5km/10km run/walk took place on Sunday 19th March 2017 at 2.00pm at Top of Coom and all in aid of the NeoNatal Unit at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH).

The brainchild of Abby O’Connell from Ballyvourney, this phenomenal lady gave birth to premature twins on 25th February 2016 at just 28 weeks.

A beautiful baby boy and girl named Gerard and Abimay, they spent 13 weeks in the neonatal unit in the CUMH where she described the care her twins received as nothing short of exceptional.

Abby, her partner and family had full trust in the staff from day one and most especially when they weren’t with their babies.

O’Flynn Medical were also delighted to come on board and supply Abby with the  AMEDA Elite Hospital grade breast pump for 6 months to ensure she was able to give her babies the best of breast milk.  It was so important for Abby to provide her breast milk to both babies at each feed and due to them being so small, it allowed her to see exactly how much milk she was pumping for both.  This was hugely important to monitor for weight gain.

12 months later her beautiful twins are thriving having recently celebrated their 1st birthday and now she wants to give back.

A fantastic crowd turned out on the day raising over €9000 and Abby and her family would like to purchase some vital equipment for the Neo Natal Unit.

Congratulations to everyone involved, a fantastic achievement and well done !!!