OUR STORY
Hi, I'm Noah's Dad, and this is our story.
On the 9th January 2013, my life was irreversibly changed.
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Lydia, my wife, unfortunately suffered a sudden heart attack at home. She was rushed to Basildon Accident & Emergency fighting for her own life and the life of our unborn son, with whom she was 24 weeks and 6 days pregnant. Within minutes of her arrival, I was told that they would have to undertake an emergency caesarean section to have any chance of saving Lydia. They attempted to prepare me, warning that both lives could be lost in the next five minutes.
Noah Robert Hobden arrived at 8:15am, weighing 1 pound 15 ounces (870g), some 15 weeks earlier than expected.
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Following a mammoth effort from a 52 person strong accident & emergency team, both Lydia and Noah were given fighting chances at life. They were whisked off to respective adult & neonatal (baby) intensive care units. Noah had to be transferred to The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, as Basildon was not equipped for such a premature baby for extensive periods. A dedicated team transported Noah by special Baby Ambulance.
In order to protect Lydia she was placed in an induced coma, thankfully awakening two days later. Suffering a few memory issues, I gave her the news that she was the proud mum of Noah. A husband’s relief and thanks together with that of family and friends, remain immeasurable. We could never thank the ambulance crews; baby transport staff, A&E teams, ward nurses, doctors, clerks and tea ladies enough! They are truly heroes who do so much for too little!!
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Lydia was discharged from hospital some 12 days later. Her heart attack was attributed to a blood clot and a previously undiagnosed heart condition. We strongly accredited her miraculous recovery to her maternal instinct to be with Noah.
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When we arrived at Noah's bedside, we were warned regularly by nurses and doctors that we were in for a rollercoaster ride. There is no more apt a metaphor, for the highs and lows we experienced on the neonatal ward. The initial shock at the rows of incubators, then at our son in one of them - a baby so small, covered in so many tubes and wires, reliant on so many machines and medicines to keep him alive. The sound of monitors, alarms and buzzers was constant. We came to learn that sometimes they were a source of comfort, but they could also quickly become a source of anguish and concern.
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During our time on Ward 8D we kept vigil at his bedside. We didn’t know anything of the foreign world that they call NICU and we certainly didn’t know how to be parents to a premature baby. Through the help and encouragement of the staff on the ward we learnt how to care and provide comfort to our son. We saw many comings and goings, with a diverse mix of babies and families. We met other families all of us drawn together in such desperate times. We shared words at the tea point, hushed updates at bedsides, knowing nods, hugs and sometimes tears. We also bonded with smiles, laughs and congratulations upon hearing news of a baby doing well. Unfortunately there were babies, who like Noah, with all the best efforts of the medical teams, were not destined to come home. However many stories with happy endings and ward visits from ex-patients inspired every parent to hope. These bundles of joy motivated us to dare to see beyond the wires and tubes - to believe everything would be okay!
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Noah was one of the youngest premature babies on the ward when he arrived. He developed a devoted following of nurses and doctors, who came to know his personality and his many abilities. Noah was able to crib attention at will, principally by holding his breath or by dislodging his breathing tube. He must have surpassed a ward record for the number of emergency re-intubations he needed (the insertion of a new breathing tube in his airway). These all secured him the nickname 'Naughty Noah' and phrases like 'that's just Noah' were commonly heard on the ward. Our little guy had tricks in spades, but ultimately his biggest trick of all was to fool us all into thinking he was developing and getting better. He had endeared himself so deeply on to the ward that he was genuinely loved. All who came in contact with him willed him on, truly full of hope, believing he would be ok.
Sadly on day 90, following a series of routine tests, we were told that Noah’s brain had failed to develop and he had suffered a significant degree of brain damage. His extreme prematurity had prevented the medical staff from undertaking these tests earlier. The results were checked and double-checked by the best specialists in the field. These findings would mean our little boy would never leave hospital....... As parents we were faced with the toughest decision of our lives.
A day later, on 10th April 2013, Noah was allowed to pass away peacefully and with dignity, in my arms. Noah was 91 days old.
HOW WE GOT HERE
Noah's Big Charity was established as a legacy to our strong and courageous little boy, who was born suddenly and too early, under the worst of circumstances.
Noah Robert Hobden inspired everyone who he came in contact with. His unrelenting battle for life and the devotion of our family, friends and his team of carers inspired us to hope, inspired us to want to be better people.e. It’s easy. Just click “Edit Text” or double click me to add your own content and make changes to the font. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more about you.
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We documented Noah's brief yet impacting life via a blog to keep friends and family updated with day-to-day progress. The blog was entitled 'Noah's Big Adventure' and attracted a large following. Those who read it were touched in different ways, by the story of our family, and the adventure of our very courageous little boy.
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You wouldn't think that such a little person could teach you anything, but he did. He taught us to live life and enjoy it, not endure it! Whenever we get a low moment in the future, we'll think of Noah, and how hard he fought for life. We remember and marvel at how far he got, on little more than instinct and a wealth of love and care, from everyone.
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Motivated by this life-changing experience and the care Noah received, the compassion and dedication of all the medical teams involved, we felt it important that our little boy’s life carry meaning beyond his passing.
Together with close family and friends, we wished to give something back, initially in support of the Neonatal Intensive care teams at Basildon and The Royal London Hospitals, but hopefully beyond. These very special people gave us the opportunity to share 91 days with our son. By supporting them, we hope the high standard of care can improve so that even more premature babies can go home to their families.
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WHO WE ARE
The formation of the charity was inspired by our son, Noah! Whose adventures began on January 9th 2013.
Noah was born suddenly and traumatically some 15 weeks early, departing from us 91 days later.
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With the help and support of close family and friends, including nurses and doctors who cared for Noah, we initially undertook a few sporting events to raise money for the units which had helped Noah. In quick order, we established Noah's BIG Charity to continue this forward. Through the provision of grant funding to support and assist the development of facilities, research, and care within Neonatal (baby) Intensive Care, specifically at Basildon University Hospital and The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, London, Ward 8D, we strive to make a difference in Noah’s name.
Although events conspired against Noah, his strength, courage and personality were inspiring.
In tribute to both Noah and the caregivers who persistently delivered hope, we felt it important to try and pay forward the efforts and love shown to our family.
​Richard & Lydia Hobden
