Wilton family join Walk for Wards after support during daughters birth
Francesca Evans gave birth to Margaux two months early in October 2023
A Salisbury mum is taking part in the Stars Appeal's Walk for Wards later this year after the charity provided a "home away from home" when her daughter was born two months early.
Francesca Evans gave birth to Margaux in October 2023, with the newborn weighing just 3lbs.
“I cried when I saw her for the first time," the 35-year-old teacher said, adding: "She looked so small and fragile in this huge incubator. When I got to hold her she was still on oxygen and had lots of wires attached to the machines.”
During Margaux's stay on the Neonatal Unit at Salisbury District Hospital, Francesca and husband Tim were able to stay in the unit's Parents' accommodation.
Francesca said having that room eased many of her concerns: "I was frightened that I wouldn’t be able to be with her. Having the Stars Appeal family room meant that I could be there all the time for Margaux. It gave us that home away from home."
The space allowed the family from Wilton to come together, and a month later, Mum-of-two Francesca moved into one of the mother and baby rooms.
The Stars Appeal parents’ accommodation on the Neonatal Unit provides four en-suite family rooms, six ‘mother and baby’ rooms, plus a playroom, kitchen and quiet room.
The facilities, which are funded by the Stars Appeal, mean that it is one of the only Neonatal Units in the country where every mum can stay with their baby.
“The accommodation and support provided by the Stars Appeal gives you a solid foundation to becoming a parent because you can be there with your baby from day one. We were able to read a bedtime book together around Margaux’s incubator. Without the things the Stars Appeal gave to us we wouldn’t have such a strong bond together when we started our life as a family of four,” said Francesca.
“I can’t thank the Neonatal Unit and the Stars Appeal enough. They made what could have been a very daunting, scary and life-changing experience so positive.”
During her time at the hospital with Margaux, Francesca's four-year-old son Rex was able to visit and spend time with his mum in the playroom, also funded by the Stars Appeal.
Walk for Wards celebrates it's 20th event this year, with the walk taking place at Wilton House on Sunday 6th July.
There are four routes on offer to participants, with a 3k, 5k, 10k, and new-for-2025 15k route available.
Walkers take part on behalf of a chosen ward or department at Salisbury District hospital.
More information about signing up can be found here.