A couple whose son was born seriously ill are urging people to make a donation to help families spending this Christmas with their loved ones in hospital.

and was rushed to a hospital over an hour away from home are looking forward to celebrating their first family Christmas together at home this year.

Sophia Taylor and Shaun Smith, from Epping, welcomed their son Jude prematurely at 34 weeks but was struggling to breathe taking just 60 breaths a minute.

After spending five days in at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, he was transferred to The Rosie Hospital in Cambridge to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Speaking about her experience, Ms Taylor said: “The thought of Jude being in hospital over Christmas turns my stomach. Christmas wouldn’t exist for me if I had to be separated from my son and I think that would be the case for so many people.

“With nothing but the clothes on our backs, we made the long journey to The Rosie Hospital not knowing what to expect at the other end.”

Epping Forest Guardian:

Jude was born 34 weeks prematurely and struggled to breathe

During this time The Sick Children’s Trust gave the couple a place to stay at its ‘Home from Home’ Chestnut House, just a few minutes’ walk from Jude’s hospital bedside.

Sophia and Shaun are asking others to Give the Gift of Togetherness to a family with a sick child in hospital by donating £30 to The Sick Children’s Trust.

Each donation helps gives families with seriously ill children in hospital a place to stay in its ‘Homes from Home’ across the country.

Ms Taylor added: “As a new parent you can’t comprehend being separated from your newborn – thankfully we didn’t have to think about that because of this charity.

“Not only did The Sick Children’s Trust take away the endless stresses and concerns that would’ve come without having a place to stay, suddenly we started to feel the situation was less daunting.

“I honestly don’t know what we would’ve done if we hadn’t been given a place to stay.

No one should have to be separated from their child because they’re in hospital, and with your help they don’t have to be.”

Epping Forest Guardian:

Baby Jude is now getting ready to spend Christmas at home

Over 3,500 families are given a place to stay when a child is seriously in hospital by the charity.

Chief Executive of the Sick Children’s Trust, Jane Featherstone, said: “Sadly, not every child will be snuggled up in bed at home on Christmas Eve, excitedly waiting for Father Christmas to deliver their presents.

Our ‘Homes from Home’ mean that families won’t have to worry about where they’ll stay. They can spend Christmas together.”

To give a family the Gift of Togetherness by donating £30, visit: sickchildrenstrust.org/christmas