BIG-HEARTED Petersfield people have rallied in support of poorly twin baby Marlowe Parker after an appeal in the Post.
The cash target for a specialist buggy has almost been hit, with around £900 of the £1,300 needed donated by generous people and businesses in the town, including The Square Brewery.
And Petersfield Social Club is holding a ‘Marlowe’s Fundraiser’ on Friday, September 30, at 7.30pm.
Marlowe’s parents Ally (24) and Claire Parker (29) have been overwhelmed at the response.
They have both had to give up their jobs to provide round-the-clock care for one-year-old Marlowe, and were struggling to meet the cost of the buggy with ventilator.
Originally the price of this was £3,230, but the couple were given the good news that Marlowe’s muscles were developing well, and her destroyed lungs recovering enough for her to have a less specialised pram.
Marlowe, whose twin Henley is a healthy little boy, was born with Down’s Syndrome and a cardiac condition resulting in open heart surgery earlier this year.
She contracted flu, and on the way home from the hospital deteriorated rapidly, her lungs destroyed. She was re-admitted to the paediatric and intensive care unit at Southampton hospital where she has been ever since.
Ally and Claire hope to have her home to Highfield Road for Christmas. They will be attending, with Henley, the event at the social club next week.
There will be music through the decades from a DJ giving his time for free, a raffle with prizes donated by businesses, facepainting and fun activities. Tickets are £5. Just turn up on the night.
Said Claire:?“Although it’s been a tough few weeks with Ally and I taking it in turns to be with Marlowe in hospital so hardly ever seeing each other, it’s amazing news about Marlowe’s health, and about the response after the story in the Post.”
The couple’s friend Karen Jenkins, who is on the committee of the social club, sprang into action after seeing the story too, and organised the event. It is hoped to hit the buggy target with any funds over going to the unit at the hospital. “They do incredible work there and have saved Marlowe’s life so many times,” added Claire.