Larbert parents spend first family Christmas together at home
Our very own Craig Turnbull and his wife Kimberley gave birth to twin daughters in October last year.
A Larbert family will get to enjoy their first ever Christmas together at home with the help of nurses from the Children's Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS).
Craig Turnbull and his wife Kimberley gave birth to twin daughters, Sophia and Layla, in October 2021, but Layla has a unique and rare condition meaning she spends a lot of time in hospital.
"Last year was quite difficult because we were in hospital"
He said: "When this journey started off and we found out we were having premature twins, we thought Christmas would be far away enough that we would celebrate the first one as a family unit.
"We never thought we would have to wait until the second Christmas to all be together.
"Last year was quite difficult because we were in hospital and it didn't feel like a Christmas together, but this is the best gift we could have this year."
Round the clock care
Doctors have struggled to get to the bottom of what causes Layla's breathing issues.
She spends a lot of time on a ventilator and has a tracheostomy to assist with her breathing.
Kimberley said: "Layla requires 24-hour supervision meaning there has to be nurses by her side when she is sleeping.
"Someone needs to be awake to provide her with care which includes medicine, nebuliser, suction, oxygen and ventilation.
"CHAS provides two nursing staff to come to our house to look after Layla overnight and that allows us the opportunity to rest.
"It means we will be able to spend Christmas Day and Boxing Day here as a family which will be wonderful."