10/06/2026
Reposted from ;
This Mental Health Awareness Week, we're sharing how your donations can make a difference to parents on the Neonatal Units at Leeds Teaching Hospitals with their poorly babies.
In 2022, Hannah went into labour at 25 weeks pregnant and was transferred to Leeds where her baby Oakley was born.
Hannah spent nine weeks away from her three older children with her poorly son which took a huge toll on her mental wellbeing. A saving grace for her was when the staff told her about Beads of Courage- an internationally renowned not-for-profit programme which helps children tell their stories using colourful beads as symbols of hope and courage along their treatment journey.
Unable to go home and be with her family, Hannah spent hours by Oakley’s crib side and said having the beads gave her something positive to do and provided comfort at the toughest time of her life.
“My mental health really suffered when Oakley was on the unit, I didn’t have contact with anyone apart from the staff and my poorly baby. The beads were a huge comfort to me and they opened up doors to socialise with other parents who were collecting them."
Oakley spent nine weeks at Leeds Children’s Hospital where he had life-saving surgery before spending time at the family’s local hospital.
During his time in hospital, Hannah collected 110 beads, each marking a milestone in Oakley’s hospital journey before he was well enough to come home.
“I have kept every single bead and the milestone cards as a special keepsake because when Oakley is old enough I want him to understand everything he overcame and how brave he was.”
Together, we can continue to make a difference to patients and families:
https://www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/make-a-donation
