28/11/2025
“I was diagnosed with Placenta Accreta on a routine pregnancy scan…
I underwent an 8 hour operation” - Lauren Farrelly
One pregnancy scan changed Lauren's entire world.
Placenta Accreta is a rare, dangerous pregnancy complication that gave Lauren one clear instruction:
Leave home at 32 weeks pregnant and move to Southampton for treatment.
For three weeks, she lived there with her partner Dom, while her family traveled back and forth from Jersey so their 3-year-old daughter could still see her mum.
At 35 weeks, Nico was born under general anesthetic.
He was immediately rushed to neonatal intensive care, while Lauren went straight into an eight-hour operation.
They didn’t get to meet until later that night.
They were exhausted, but finally together.
After six days of recovery in Southampton, they were cleared to fly home and start their new life as a family of 4.
We’re proud to say that through every frightening moment, every long hospital hour, every unexpected cost… Family First was there.
Our Family Support Worker Jess checked in regularly.
She made sure the family could visit.
She offered emotional support, financial help, and direction when everything felt overwhelming.
As Lauren said herself:
“We would have been lost without you Jess.”
Families like this face huge emotional and financial pressure with zero warning, your support is what keeps them from facing it alone.
If you want to help more families get through their most difficult moments, you can donate to Family First here:
https://jerseygiving.je/donate/family-first-jersey
Our heartfelt thanks to the and Friends of the Jersey Neonatal Unit for their continued partnership. Your support helps ensure families receive the funding they need when it matters most.