A DHU Advanced Practitioners has teamed up with his Staff Nurse wife to ensure babies receiving vital care at two Leicester hospitals receive their first Christmas present.
Aldo Cataldi is based at Anstey Frith House and, along with his wife Geraldine Chingoso, who is a Staff Nurse at the University Hospitals Leicester’s neonatal service, have set up a collection box for newborn clothes on behalf of DHU.
DHU’s LLR team have been donating clothes, blankets and other gifts that will be dropped off to the unit on Christmas Day to give the region’s smallest and youngest patients something to celebrate and enjoy.
Aldo told us: “It was Geraldine’s idea as she mentioned to me that they’re always on the lookout for clothing and items to keep their babies warm and comfortable. I said I could arrange for a drop off point and with the help of our Clinical Service Lead Gary Bonser and our Communications Team spreading the word, we have a fantastic haul to take across.
“We have a big box full of clothes and there is more still coming, we’re looking at closing it off on Saturday the 20th and taking it over to Leicester Royal Infirmary and University Hospitals Leicester to give to those who really need it. It’s been a brilliant team effort, our DHU people in Leicester always rally round to help others and I’m so pleased we’ve been able to help.”
Geraldine added: “For the families of these babies, it is both an exciting and anxious time. To have their first Christmas with their son or daughter but not be able to take them home isn’t ideal but knowing that there are people out there supporting them with gifts that help keep their baby comfortable is such a reassurance and an emotional boost.
“I would like to thank Aldo, Gary and everyone at DHU who have donated these gifts to our Neonatal Service. You have no idea of the positive difference it makes to the families of those we care for, especially at Christmas.”