Fund-raising mum inspired by care at Northampton ward receives British Empire Medal in Queen's Birthday Honours

A mum who had six miscarriages but now has five children has been awarded the BEM in the Queen's Birthday Honours for her fund-raising work.
Theresa Wright, pictured here in 2011Theresa Wright, pictured here in 2011
Theresa Wright, pictured here in 2011

Theresa Wright, 34, who lives in Bozeat, has been recognised for her support of the Gosset Ward, special care baby unit, at Northampton General Hospital.

Ms Wright endured the loss of a baby in 2006, two babies in 2007, two more in 2008 and one in 2009. She has gone on to have five children.

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In 2011, this paper spoke to Ms Wright as she thanked staff at the Gosset ward following the birth of her second son, Harrison, who was born prematurely at 31 weeks. The family had braced themselves for tragedy again but thanks to the care of staff at the ward, little Harrison was nursed back to health.

Back then, Ms Wright organised an online auction and has campaigned ever since to raise money.

Speaking at the time, she said: “Some parents forget about these wonderful people in all the chaos but I don’t want to forget them. I wouldn’t have these children if it wasn’t for them. It has given me the opportunity to give something back to them.”

To date, the amount raised for Gosset is now at £28,000. Using the monies she has raised so far, the Northampton delivery suite was able to redecorate one of the rooms to feel more homely. Her fundraising provided half of the money needed.

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The current goal is to raise enough funds to purchase a new much-needed transport incubator to replace the current one, which is more than 20 years old. She has run online auctions, organised a sky-dive, helped put together yearly fundraising calendars, and been constantly active in persuading others to get involved.