Dinner dance to raise funds for baby unit (From Watford Observer)

Rebekah Habib to hold dinner dance in aid of Watford General Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit

9:10am Thursday 25th October 2012 in News By Amie Mulderrig, Features Writer

A Radlett mother, whose husband died suddenly when she was five months pregnant, is to host a fundraising event for Watford General Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit and raise awareness of world prematurity day.

Rebekah Habib had little time to grieve when her husband Gulam passed away, as four months after his death, a problem with her umbilical cord meant she would have to give birth to her daughter Sorayah by emergency Caesarean section.

The problem was discovered at a routine midwife's appointment, and as it would have affected the baby’s oxygen supply, Mrs Habib was immediately taken to intensive care at Watford General Hospital.

Doctors suggested the stress of losing her husband, who she met at the age of 14, to a blood disorder the day before her 20-week scan could have brought on the problem.

Thanks to all of the support she received from Watford General Hospital, Mrs Habib decided to set up organisation HertsPrems to raise cash for the hospital.

On Friday, November 16, the group will host a fundraising dinner and dance at the Blue Check restaurant in Bushey, which will coincide with world prematurity day on November 17.

To date the group has raised more than £6,000 for the hospital, and hopes to reach £10,000 by the end of the year.

To find out more about the charity dinner and dance, or for tickets email Rebekah Habib on: hertsprems@yahoo.co.uk