A British couple stranded in Singapore is trying to raise $181,000 to bring their premature child home.
Chloe Wilkinson, 30, went into labour after just 24 weeks of being pregnant while travelling back from Australia with her partner, Patraic Walsh-Kavanagh.
The couple planned to tell their parents about the surprise pregnancy as they were in Singapore awaiting a connecting flight home.
Ms Wilkinson, a former teaching assistant, and Mr Walsh-Kavanagh, 27, left the UK to travel around Asia in December 2017.
The couple, who took out travel insurance before setting on their adventure, found out they were expecting a child in November 2018.
Ms Wilkinson, from Lincoln, said: ‘’Lorcan’s been fighting with all his might and we are bursting with pride at the strength he is showing so far.’’
‘’However, we are on our own, a 14-hour flight away from our family and friends, and it has been a very difficult start to parenthood while Lorcan remains in hospital.’’
‘’It’s still extremely early and he’s got a very long and difficult journey ahead of him. But with each day that passes he grows stronger.’’
‘’It’s still such a huge shock to us both that he’s here but we’re doing everything we possibly can to ensure we all get back to the UK.’’
The pregnant lady was rushed to hospital after bleeding and having cramps during the two-day stopover. She gave birth to Lorcan, who weighed just 1.9lbs, a week later.
The couple has been told Lorcan, who has been in intensive care since he was born on February 26, won’t be fit enough to travel home for three months.
But two days later, the couple was given the news she had started dilating at just 24 weeks and flying home was no longer an option.
Former plumber Mr Walsh-Kavanagh, of Nottingham, said: ‘’All the doctors and nurses seemed very concerned. After numerous tests, it was found she had an infection.’’
‘’She was started on antibiotics and medication to reduce contractions and prolong labor to give baby the best chance of survival.’’
‘’I was then told to go and admit Chloe as a patient with the business department of the hospital.’’
Mr Walsh-Kavanagh added: ‘’We were in a complete state of shock and fear completely took over.’’
‘’We were faced with a severely premature baby with potentially multiple health issues whilst being stuck in a country with no support.’’
‘’On top of this, I was handed an estimated bill of $181,000, assuming there will be no further complications with Chloe or the baby.’’
After being admitted due to the infection, Ms Wilkinson’s condition worsened over seven days and it was advised by the doctors it could be unsafe to prolong labor.
Ms Wilkinson said: ‘’I was only 24 weeks, I was absolutely terrified because I knew it was too early.’’
‘’The doctors explained there was a high risk that our baby might not be developed fully and that a lot of his organs may not yet be fully formed or functioning.’’
She added: ‘’At that point, I began to panic and I was worried [our] baby would become distressed if I couldn’t deliver quickly enough.’’
Because of the laws in Singapore, they are unable to seek employment to support themselves.
Ms Wilkinson said: ‘’Everyday I go into the hospital I get a knot in my stomach waiting to hear the update from the intensive care team about Lorcan’s progress and condition as he’s still in a critical condition.’’
‘’We’re professional people who work hard but it’s obviously a huge sum and anything anyone can offer to help would be greatly appreciated.’’
‘’We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at home and across the world for their continued love and support.’’
‘’It’s very early still and he’s got a lot to get through and many challenges to overcome.’’
‘’But with each day that passes without infection or further complications he gets stronger.’’
The couple, who are currently living in a shared flat close to the hospital, are using the money they had saved in Australia to be by Lorcan’s side.
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