THE BUSCOTEER

WELCOME

Welcome to the March 2006 edition of the Buscoteer – an informal newsletter produced by Babies in Buscot Support Group (BIBS) providing an update on our recent activities and our forthcoming challenges and events. 

We would like to reach as many ex Buscot families as we can – so if you are in contact with anyone who has not received a copy of this newsletter and would like to, along with any other BIBS mailings, please encourage them to contact us via our answer phone on 0845 166 9067 or via our website www.bibs.org.uk

BIBS committee & supporters

BIBS are always keen to welcome any new help and support.  A full committee is vital to the ongoing support that BIBS provides to the families on the ward as well as support to the ward in terms of parent links and fundraising etc.  We know that 2006/7 will be a difficult time for BIBS if we cannot attract some new help and support to continue the vital work carried out by the committee.

Some of you may have also met our parent supporters on a Wednesday Evening – these are parents who have had babies on the ward themselves and have now joined our Evening Supporter Rota to be available for any parents who may wish to chat with someone who may have shared similar experiences.    

We would love to hear from anyone who has a few hours to spare per month and would like to become involved with BIBS.  If you are not sure and would like to find out more perhaps you would like to come along to our New Comers Meeting………

This is an informal meeting where you can have a chat with some of the existing committee and supporters, and find out a bit more about the work of BIBS and how perhaps you can help or become involved. The meeting will be held on

WEDNESDAY 26^th APRIL 2006 AT 8PM IN ROOM A. THE TRUST EDUCATION CENTRE, CRAVEN ROAD, READING.

We would really welcome anyone that maybe interested, so if you would like to come along please call and leave a message on our answer machine 0845 166 9067 or e-mail via the web site www.bibs.org.  We don’t plan to send out any further mailings relating to this evening – so if you are interested please do contact us for more information.

Before we know it – it will be time for the BIBS annual reunion – this year it will be held on

SUNDAY 11^th JUNE 2006, AT ST.ANDREWS CHURCH HALL, CRAVEN ROAD (NR. LONDON RD),

so make a note for your diaries – fun activities for the children, while the parents perhaps have a chance to catch up with old friends and acquaintances.  This year we would really love to make this a bigger than ever event – so please spread the word and if you think anyone has been missed from our mailing list, please encourage them to contact us on the answer phone or via the website.  Invitations with further information will be mailed out nearer the time.

A huge THANK YOU to all of you who have been fundraising for BIBS. As ever, your methods are wide and varied. One family held a barbeque in the summer. They invited all their friends and family who gave generously. It even encouraged some of the guests to raise more funds.

One person knew her employer regularly made a donation to charity and so put BIBS forward. Even a child was inspired to try to raise money and so spoke to the headmistress at her primary school. The school chose to support us by having a non-uniform day.

We have had donations from a number of companies; one had a collection at their Christmas party and another had a collection instead of giving Christmas cards and another held a Christmas raffle. One group had a race night and all profits came to BIBS. People have taken part in fun runs, half marathons and the London marathon, or just enjoyed a game of golf.

So thank you to all of you who have generously made donations or given your time and energy to raise funds for BIBS. As you can see it can really make a difference!

BIBS were delighted to have recently been able to help fund a replacement of one of the most vital pieces equipment on the ward – an ultrasound scanner used for diagnosing brain or heart problems in premature or sick babies. 

This very sophisticated piece of equipment does not come cheap and the target amount required was a staggering £85,000!  BIBS were able to fund £10,000 towards the scanner.  This is a fantastic result for BIBS, the ward and of course the babies who will benefit from the use of the scanner.  This of course would not have been possible without the fundraising efforts of so many – well done!!

We are also delighted to report that BIBS have been able to make a further donation of £6,000 to help fund the replacement of 4 new incubators on the ward.

During our work with BIBS we often get asked about our children, how old they are and how are they doing now, after their early or difficult beginnings.  Here Karen Ison writes about her son Joshua, five years on

“There have been numerous stories in the press as well as television documentaries about the survival of babies born very prematurely.  Questions are asked such as: “Are these babies worth resuscitating as the outcome, the quality of life they will have is uncertain?” 

Parents also often ask me on Buscot how Joshua is doing now at the age of five.  Has he any long-term damage?  Can he cope at school?  Does he have to go to a special school?  I hope that you will find this update both encouraging and useful.

Our son Joshua was born in June 2000 at 25 weeks, weighing just 700gr.  He was in hospital for 6 months and spent some time in Oxford undergoing surgery.  He came home on oxygen and remained on oxygen for two years (for those of you who have a child at home on oxygen this is unusual, most come off after a few months). Joshua turned five last June. 

The day Joshua started school is without doubts one of the most exciting in my life.  He is in mainstream school and loving it.  He particularly enjoys reading and reads anything he comes across, from the back of cereal packets to his school library book. 

He has made lots of friends and loves all the playground games.  He has just started after school football club.  His teacher is really pleased with his progress.  Does he have any difficulties remaining from his prematurity?   It would not be true to say no, but the difficulties are slight.  He still finds writing difficult as his fine motor skills are delayed.  However, they are improving all the time with the help of the occupational therapist.  There is lots of help available out there so don’t be afraid to ask! 

His running style is, shall we say, unique but does not stop him being Spider Man, a Power Ranger or whoever happens to be the super hero of the day!  Physiotherapy has been invaluable in developing his co-ordination, balance … to see him in the school Christmas play brought tears to our eyes.  He loved every moment and so did we!

The small difficulties he experiences are being easily dealt with.  As you can see, he is doing far more than coping at school.  He is thriving.  When I see him now, happy, running around with his friends, I am just so grateful for all the hard work and dedication of the staff on Buscot.  Without them, Joshua would not be here today, adding that extra dimension to my life day by day”.

Newcomers Meeting
Wednesday 26^th April, 8pm – Trust Education Centre

Reunion
Sunday 11^th June – St Andrews Hall

BIBS AGM
Wednesday 19^th July, 8pm – Trust Education Centre,  more details to follow nearer the time.

Key Contacts

Joint Chair: Sheena Masoero /Karen Ison

Secretary: Louise Otty    

Treasurer: Angela Boxwell  

Publicity/Marketing Officer: Mike Boxwell