Premature Clydebank twins saved by revolutionary co-sleeping cot

Macie and Marcus Lee came into the world at just 29 weeks and were the first to benefit from a specially designed co-sleeping cot at the neonatal unit at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

Parents Jennifer Prior, 30, and Darren Lee, 38, were told to expect the worst at their 20-week scan and were warned their babies would be so premature that they would likely be stillborn.

(Image: Colin Mearns) Little Macie was born weighing 2lbs and her brother Marcus just 1lb 3oz, but thanks to round the clock care of dedicated staff tasked with looking after them, the twins amazingly pulled through.

They then made such incredible progress that were able to go home after 12 weeks in hospital.

Now proud great-grandparents Yvonne and Peter Prior are on a fundraising mission to ensure the neonatal unit can buy more twin cots to help other families in a similar position.

(Image: supplied) Yvonne, 67, exclusively told the Clydebank Post how she is in awe of her ‘wee miracles’, whose bravery continues to astound everyone.

She said: “Jennifer had a very tough pregnancy and was told to expect the worst at 20 weeks. It was a nightmare and we were all so worried at what lay ahead.

“She managed to hold on until she reached 29 weeks and Macie and Marcus arrived on January 10 this year. They were both so tiny, weighing not much more than a bag of sugar.

“From the minute they were delivered, they both needed specialist care and were the first to use the co-sleeping cot. This meant they could be together, and medics believe that made a massive difference to their progress.

“The twins continue to go from strength to strength. We could not be prouder as great-grandparents. They truly are our own wee miracles.”

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The state-of-the-art cot keeps twins close and can support their development, strengthen their bond, and offer comfort, not only to the babies, but to families who may not be able to stay by their side overnight.

(Image: supplied)Each side of the cot can be adapted to suit individual needs, with the option to place a heat mat under one baby for extra temperature support. The entire structure can also be gently tilted to help ease reflux, which is common in premature babies. These features mean twins can remain side by side, while still receiving personalised care.

Until now, tots who were able to sleep together were often placed in a larger cot. The new design offers easier access, which is especially useful for parents recovering from birth and for staff who need to reach equipment or provide feeds quickly and safely.

To give something back for the incredible care Macie and Marcus received, the family from Clydebank are backing a special effort being undertaken by Yvonne’s husband Peter, who turns 70 this December.

Peter with the twins (Image: Colin Mearns) He is cycling 106 miles throughout June for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity Stride the Clyde charity event.

Yvonne added: “We just felt as a family that we wanted to do something to help others in a similar position. We saw first-hand how the co-sleeping cots transformed life for Macie and Marcus, and we want to do our bit to make sure the charity can fund even more specialist equipment for the neonatal unit.

“Peter will cycle 10 miles a day and we will all be there cheering him on. So far, he’s raised almost £600 of his £700 target. Any donation no matter how big or small will be greatly appreciated and go to such a good cause - supporting the care of premature babies fighting for their lives.”

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/macie-marcus