BROMSGROVE charity Libby Mae’s Little Angels has helped refurbish parent and relative rooms at Birmingham’s Heartlands Hospital.
Charlotte and Richard Sharratt, who launched the charty in memory of their beloved baby Libby-Mae who died in 2013, were at the opening of the new-look rooms, along with their baby son Riley and other family and friends, following the £11,000 revamp.
The ribbon was cut by Birmingham City star and Scottish International Paul Caddis who met the couple through former team-mate Chris Burke, also a big supporter of Libby Mae’s Little Angels.
The rooms have everything from new flooring and tiles to soft furnishings, a microwave and crockery and cutlery.
The Sharratts regularly raise funds for Heartlands and 17 other neonatal units across the Midlands.
Charlotte said patients at the unit had been integral in having a say on what was needed in the rooms, which can provide a temporary home for home for parents while their baby receives critical care.
“The unit caters for pre-term babies born anywhere from 23 weeks and weighing anything from 550 grammes which is smaller than a bag of sugar.
“That in itself is tough for parents as staff treat the newborn but at least by providing decent accommodation we can help maybe make life a little easier and giving mum and dad a little comfort whilst they are at their baby’s side.
Paul, himself a parent, said: “These facilities are vital and I also recognise how vital the work Richard and Charlotte have done here through raising funds for the rooms.”
Richard, who was thrilled to meet Paul as a he is a Blues’ fanatic, said the player had even gone one step further donating a match worn shirt and boots which can be raffled off at a future Libby Mae fund-raiser.
Also on hand at the opening was charity supporter and award-winning photographer Michelle White.
