From premature birth to thriving - CTM babies' journey of hope
Trigger Warning: Premature Birth
Each year on World Prematurity Day, we shine a light on the babies born too soon, the families who support them, and the incredible teams who care for them.
This year, we’re sharing powerful patient stories from families across Cwm Taf Morgannwg who experienced neonatal care first-hand - alongside a special video message from our Neonatal colleagues to celebrate World Prematurity Day.
These stories highlight the emotional journeys, the challenges, and the moments of hope that come with premature birth. They also show the compassion and dedication of our neonatal teams, who go above and beyond to support families during some of the most difficult times of their lives.
William’s Story
When Emma’s little boy William was born at just 32 weeks in May 2021, the UK was still under lockdown. Hospitals were following strict procedures, and Emma faced the challenge of navigating a premature birth without family support.
After discovering an irregular heartbeat during pregnancy, Emma underwent regular monitoring. On 6 May, baby William’s heart rate became dangerously fast, leading to an emergency C-section. He was later diagnosed with Wolff Parkinson White syndrome.
“It was a very scary time,” Emma recalls. “The nurses and doctors who cared for William were so kind and caring - we’ll never forget them.”
Thanks to their tireless efforts, William came home just before his due date. Today, as he celebrates his fourth birthday, William is happy, healthy, and fully discharged from cardiology.
Emma now runs local baby classes and shares her experience to support other parents. “I want mums of tiny babies to know: the scary days don’t last forever. There is hope.”
Morgan’s Story
“I had no idea I was in labour.”
Ellie gave birth to her little boy Morgan at Prince Charles Hospital on 27 September 2024 at 6:09am. He arrived at just 27 weeks and two days, weighing 2lb 13oz. Within an hour of arriving at the hospital, Morgan was born.
“I remember looking up after giving birth and seeing a whole army of people ready and waiting for Morgan’s arrival. Even though there was so much going on in the room, Taryn made sure Morgan’s dad got to cut the umbilical cord and that we had some family pictures taken when they knew he was stable. I didn’t realise at the time how much those pictures would mean to me.”
Morgan was transferred to the University Hospital of Wales and the family stayed in Ronald McDonald accommodation for a few weeks. When Morgan was stable enough, they returned to Prince Charles Hospital.
“We’d got so used to living on the hospital grounds it was a shock to us having to leave Morgan at night and drive away. We were quite intense parents - questioned a lot of things and stayed there about 12 hours a day most days - but we were never made to feel like we were too much. I laughed with the neonatal team and cried with them at some points. I never thought I would have such an amazing team of professionals by my side and advocating for mine and Morgan’s wishes. They even let me sleep on the I ward overnight for a couple of weeks. They really did feel like Morgan’s aunties.”
It wasn’t all straightforward. Morgan’s breathing deteriorated at times and he needed a higher level of oxygen support. In total, the family spent around 12 weeks on the neonatal ward.
“We were discharged a week before Christmas - his due date was actually Christmas Day! Morgan came home on oxygen, which he needed until March 2025.
He’s now a larger-than-life, whirlwind of a little boy. As a family, we still talk about being on the ward and how crazy we were at some points, but we actually couldn’t picture the start of Morgan’s life any other way now.”
Tarian’s Story
“Our little man was brought into the world seven weeks early.”
During the third trimester, Angharad developed pre-eclampsia, and baby Tarian was born at 33 weeks and two days, weighing just 3lb 5oz. As a first-time mum, Angharad was absolutely terrified - but from the moment they arrived on the neonatal ward, everything changed.
“The incredible nurses and staff made all the difference. The care, support, and advice we received were truly out of this world.”
Tarian faced a setback during his time on the ward when he developed Scalded Skin Syndrome - a rare and worrying condition. But thanks to the team’s quick action and constant care, he made it through safely.
“What touched us most was how deeply you all felt for us during that difficult moment - it showed just how much heart goes into everything you do.”
The family were lucky enough to celebrate World Prematurity Day on the ward. The small gifts left by Tarian’s bedside are now tucked away in his memory box - a lasting reminder of the love and kindness they felt from everyone there.
As Tarian’s first birthday approaches, Angharad reflects on the journey with deep gratitude.
“You’ll never truly know how much your compassion, skill, and warmth meant to us. You weren’t just his nurses - you became like family to us all.”
The family will forever be grateful to the neonatal team for being part of Tarian’s journey.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you did for our little man, and for us.”
Teddy’s Story
Teddy was born at Prince Charles Hospital at 34 weeks. Mum, Catherine, shares her experience.
“When I was pregnant with Teddy, it was our 11th pregnancy after 10 miscarriages, and the journey was full of complications. By 32 weeks, I had a positive fetal fibronectin test which comes with a higher risk of preterm labour. At 33 weeks and three days, my waters broke. Teddy arrived at 34 weeks at Prince Charles Hospital.
He was very poorly at birth, suffering from newborn respiratory distress. He had to be intubated and transferred to the University Hospital of Wales, where he was treated for sepsis twice. After seven days at UHW, Teddy returned to PCH and spent another four weeks there.
Because it was during COVID, my husband and I couldn’t visit Teddy together due to restrictions, which was incredibly hard.
Today, Teddy is five years old and an amazing big brother to Tommy. The only lasting effect from his difficult start is asthma.
My message for anyone with a baby on SCBU is that the goal of bringing your baby home can feel a million miles away, but you will get there. The staff on SCBU treat every baby like their own, which is such a comfort during the hours you can’t be there.”
Alfie’s Story
Alfie’s journey began far sooner than anyone expected. Born at just 24 weeks and weighing only 1 pound 2 ounces, he entered the world tiny, fragile, and fighting from his very first breath.
Mum, Sarah, shares the story of her brave little boy.
“His early arrival was caused by pre-eclampsia, and instead of being cradled safely in the womb until March 2012, he was born on 24th November 2011 - almost four months too soon.
Alfie spent his first three months in Bristol, surrounded by machines and the gentle hum of the NICU. From there, he was transferred to Cardiff for life-saving operations, and later spent four more weeks in Prince Charles Hospital before he was finally strong enough to go home to Merthyr.
His early days were filled with unimaginable challenges. He was ventilated for a long time, and on 18 December 2011, he became desperately ill with sepsis. Doctors prepared his family for the worst, and Alfie was given his last rites. But this tiny boy wasn’t ready to give up. Against all odds, he fought back - and from that moment on, he became known as “the little miracle baby.
I really can't thank the NHS enough and will forever be in their debt.”
Today, despite everything he endured at the very beginning of his life, Alfie stands tall as a happy, thriving teenager who loves school and fills the world around him with joy.
His story is a reminder of strength, hope, and the extraordinary power of a fighting spirit.
Video Message from our Neonatal Colleagues
Hear a special message from Lisa, Interim Senior Nurse for Neonatal Services and Natalie, Infant Feeding Lead at Prince Charles Hospital, this World Prematurity Day.
Support for Families
Premature birth can be overwhelming, and no two journeys are the same. If you or someone you know is affected by prematurity, there is support available.
We recommend visiting the Bliss website - the leading UK charity for babies born premature or sick - for trusted information, guidance, and support services for families.
Thank you to the families who shared their stories, and to our neonatal teams for the care they provide every day.
17/11/2025