Neo Natal Unit supported by a 5000 steps a day mum who had a double lung transplant
A brave young mum, who underwent a life-saving double lung transplant in December 2021, has been walking 5000 steps a day for the month of March to raise funds for the Neonatal Unit at the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald.
Neonatal Infant Feeding Lead at the Ulster Hospital, Cathy Flinn, met up with Catherine McCarroll for the last day of her steps challenge in Moat Park in Dundonald to mark the great milestone.
Catherine (30) lives in Belfast works as a Doctor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the Ulster Hospital, gave birth prematurely to baby daughter Eve at 34 weeks. Prior to her pregnancy, Catherine had a respiratory condition and during her pregnancy, her condition deteriorated.
Following baby Eve’s birth, Catherine spent three weeks in hospital but after she was discharged, her condition deteriorated even further and she needed a double lung transplant.
Fortunately, Catherine was put on an urgent list and was flown to the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne for an urgent double lung transplant where she spent a considerable time in ICU.
Catherine and her husband Andi received incredible support from the Neonatal Unit at the Ulster Hospital. Speaking about her experience she said: “They did so much for us, not only for Eve, but for us as a family. I want to give something back to them as a thank you for the incredible help and support.”
“By undertaking the fundraising challenge to walk 5000 steps a day, I not only wanted to raise awareness of lung transplants, but also wanted to raise awareness of organ donation. I would not be here today if it wasn’t for the donor.”
Following her successful transplant operation, part of Catherine’s rehabilitation was exercise, so she decided to do something a little different.
Keen to celebrate her daughter’s first birthday and also to incorporate exercise into her rehabilitation, Catherine decided to walk 5000 steps a day for the month of March and raise funds to purchase ‘Joey Bands’ for the Neonatal Unit at the Ulster Hospital. ‘Joey Bands’ help promote and encourage skin-to-skin contact in the Neonatal Unit which is the first step in helping mums to produce milk.
Cathy Flinn who supported Catherine and her husband Andi whilst she was in the Neonatal Unit said: “When Catherine gave birth to baby Eve, she was very poorly and breastfeeding was the only thing she could do for her baby unaided.
“We supported Catherine in establishing breastfeeding for baby Eve and we stayed in contact with her supporting her through her transplant journey.
“Catherine is such an amazing person. She contacted me within two weeks of her transplant saying she wanted to do this fundraiser. What an incredible fighting spirit!”
Catherine has smashed through her target, clocking up a massive 15000 in one day alone and she hopes to continue her rehabilitation with her daily steps now her challenge has ended.
