Northampton fundraiser launched for new mum Monika after beating life-threatening disease during late stage of pregnancy

Jenny Restall is going above and beyond to make sure her poorly neighbour can have private rehabilitation to hug her newborn baby
Monika pictured with her daughter Eliana and six-year-old son Alexander.Monika pictured with her daughter Eliana and six-year-old son Alexander.
Monika pictured with her daughter Eliana and six-year-old son Alexander.

At 35 weeks pregnant, Monika Basinaska of Duston developed life-threatening Hellp Syndrome.

The rare liver and blood clotting disorder caused her to suffer a catastrophic stroke in April and she was rushed into brain surgery during the pandemic.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Newborn, Eliana, was delivered while Monika was under general anesthetic just before her mum was put into a five-week induced coma.

After dad Greg returned home with his new daughter, without his wife, he then received the dreaded phone call to prepare himself for the worst.

"It was traumatic," Monika said. "I found out what happened when I woke up from the coma.

"Before, there was no symptoms, everything was spot on during the pregnancy.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I could not remember anything and anything I know now, I know from my husband, I lost my memory so I didn't know what was going on."

After a ten week stint in hospital, Monika was reunited with her family again on June 26.

But the illness has caused the new mum to struggle with day-to-day tasks.

She needs to hold her husbands hand to steady herself and she cannot breastfeed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I struggle to cuddle because I'm always losing my balance," Monika added. "I'm not able to take Eliana from the cot or pushchair."

Now, she needs private physiotherapy sessions, which her neighbour Jenny is fundraising for.

The cause is close to Jenny's heart as her son, Harry who has cerebal palsy, has been having rehabilitation to teach him to walk again after his operation last year.She said: "It's close to my heart as Harry suffered a neonatal stroke and I know all too well the lack of physiotherapy the NHS provides unfortunately.

"I'm just praying we get a little something to help her."

Jenny's goal is to raise £2,000 for 20 private physiotherapy sessions for Monika, which are not freely provided on the NHS.

To donate to the Just Giving page, click here.

Related topics: