Following some serious complications in week 23 of my pregnancy, our beautiful tiny baby Arthur was born on Monday 25th January in Homerton University Hospital at 10.41 am, weighing just 655g  (1lb 4oz). The neo-natal paediatricians were all in the labour room ready to care for him and although he wasn't breathing they quickly resuscitated him and I even got to cuddle him for a couple of precious seconds. I loved him so very much already!  He just looked like a tiny, but perfectly formed version of his big brother and I was so thankful he made it into the world alive!

The neo-natal intensive care unit at the Homerton, where Arthur spent the 9 days of his short life, is a very special place, full of hope, tender care, medical excellence and compassion. From the outset, we knew that Arthur was receiving the very best care from the most experienced of hands. He definitely was a remarkable battler, despite how extremely premature he was! Tom and I were so incredibly proud every day of his bravery and strength. However, the reality was that he faced a very challenging and uncertain journey and although we remained ever hopeful for his future, it soon became clear that he had many other complications - infections and diseased lungs due to all his organs being too immature. We were in awe of Arthur's fighting spirit and of the work of the neo-natal doctors caring for him 24/7 as well as the midwives and consultants who had been caring for me. I was discharged from the hospital on 27th January and then spent my days up there, at his bedside, talking and singing to him, producing milk for when he might be able to feed, basically trying to help my tiny son in any way I could.  Arthur battled for 8 days and 22 hours with every day hanging on a knife edge, it was such a hard few weeks. The last 72 hours, I stayed overnight in one of the family rooms at the NICU as I just felt in my heart he was so critically ill. On Tuesday morning, we had Arthur baptised at his incubator and Tom and I held his soft little hands and told him how adored he was and made our peace, Tom said his goodbyes. My dearest friend stayed in the family room with me on Tuesday night and at 8.20 am on Wednesday morning (3rd February), I got the call we dreaded and I ran to his bedside to be with him. His heartrate, which had been so strong throughout, was slowing right down, it was like he was saying "enough now, let me rest". I held, cuddled and him and kissed him as he passed, he was peaceful, not in any pain and not alone. He died at 8.41 am. 

Those weeks spent in hospital were extremely painful for me and Tom, and it has taken every ounce of our strength and optimism to get through from one day to the next. We are naturally heartbroken and overwhelmed with grief right now but we do take some comfort in the fact that my brave baby Arthur passed away peacefully in my arms, much loved and adored and in no pain and is now at peace with the angels. He was sadly just born too soon, we will never really know why. Great joy is brought to us through Oscar, so we keep ever strong for him and know that with love and faith we will get through this as a family and even be stronger for it. We have been overwhelmed by the messages of support, thoughts and prayers from so many people in both our professional and personal lives and remain thankful for many blessings in life. There is one more bright star in heaven now. 

It is our wish to raise as much money as possible for Homerton Hope, as this amazing charity works to help treat and care for premature, sick and vulnerable babies. Please consider donating, no amount is too small, thank you and God bless our angel baby Arthur. Love from Alex, Tom and Oscar xx

Arthur James Thomas 

25.1.16 - 3.2.16 Sleep tight little one ✨

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