One grandmother’s awe-inspiring mission to support children born prematurely

In Bury, Grandmother Nicola Orrell is putting the final touches on an extraordinary evening, one that has grown dear to her heart since her grandchildren were born 15 weeks early.

This November, Nicola will host her fifth World Prematurity Day Charity Ball, a special event she launched after witnessing the needs of families with premature babies, including her own.

World Prematurity Day Charity Ball

It was July 2019 when Nicola’s world took a sharp turn. Her twin grandchildren, Ava and Archie, were born at just 25 weeks, with Archie weighing a fragile 1lb 12oz, and little Ava even tinier at 1lb 9oz.

The family quickly found themselves in the capable but overstretched hands of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Royal Bolton Hospital, where the twins would begin a long, uphill journey.

“From the very first moment, they were fighters,” Nicola said.

“I remember watching them, just so tiny and so vulnerable, but so full of life. For us, it was a whole new world of machines, tubes, and an emotional rollercoaster no one can prepare for.

“I saw not only what our family needed but what every family in that unit needed. That’s where the idea for the charity ball was born.”

Nicola, who is managing director of Edison Media, felt compelled to support these families on a deeper level. Her experience watching Alex, her daughter-in-law, and Declan, her son, navigate those harrowing weeks in the NICU inspired her to take action.

Making a difference to premature babies

She not only wanted to make a difference for Ava and Archie but for every baby fighting for survival in neonatal wards and every parent holding on to hope.

In those early days, she saw firsthand the long hours NICU parents endure, the sleepless nights spent in hospital waiting rooms, and the resilience required to be present every day.

“I spent every day in the hospital until 8 pm. It was a way to support Declan and Alex, but also to give them a few moments to catch their breath,” Nicola said.

“I knew then that other families could benefit from more resources, especially accommodations that keep them close to their babies during this fragile time.”

For the twins, their health journey was filled with complications. At seven weeks old, Archie developed necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), a serious intestinal disease that required emergency surgery.

The family was suddenly split between hospitals: Alex went to Manchester to be with Archie, while Declan remained in Bolton with Ava. During this difficult time, the Ronald McDonald House Manchester stepped in, providing Alex with a place to stay near Archie’s side, free of charge.

“It’s hard to express how much that support meant to us,” Nicola said. “Ronald McDonald House was there for us when we needed it most, allowing us to be there for our family.”

In those days spent watching her tiny grandchildren grow and slowly heal, Nicola’s commitment solidified.

She organised the first World Prematurity Day Charity Ball later that same year, raising over £5,000 to improve accommodations for NICU families.

Since then, the annual event has blossomed, each year adding new charities, more guests, and greater support. In 2021, the ball returned after a pandemic hiatus, raising £11,000.

In 2022, Nicola expanded her support to include Bliss, a UK charity for babies born premature or sick, and raised nearly £20,000, allowing the funds to be shared across multiple organisations that support families of premature babies.

You can find out more about Bliss’ work by clicking here

Raising £28,000 for charity

Today, Nicola’s mission is to raise an impressive £28,000 at this year’s ball, which promises to be a magical, circus-themed black-tie event with live music, a three-course meal, and an immersive experience. “It’s more than just a night out,” she said.

“It’s a celebration of life, of resilience, and a way for us to give back to the NICU heroes, families, and charities who work tirelessly to support children like Ava and Archie. This year’s theme is all about creating unforgettable memories, and we’re setting our sights higher than ever.”

For Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, Nicola’s efforts are an inspiration. “We’re in awe of Nicola and her continued determination,” said Natasha Swindell, the charity’s Community Fundraiser.

“What she’s doing for the families of premature babies is truly heartwarming, and her commitment has brought so much comfort to so many.”

Now happy, healthy five-year-olds, Ava and Archie are in Year 1, thriving and hitting all their milestones.

Nicola’s heart swells with pride and gratitude for the community of support that helped her family through those fragile early days. “Seeing them now, I’m constantly reminded of the gift we received,” she shared.

“It’s a gift I want to pass on, so that other families can have the same hope we did.”

For those who would like to be part of this heartwarming evening, the World Prematurity Day Charity Ball will take place on Saturday, 9th November, at the Last Drop Village Hotel and Spa, Bromley Cross.

You can get tickets here, with all proceeds going towards Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, SANDS, Bliss, and Bolton NICU.