Baby Chester celebrates first Christmas at home after two years in hospital as MFT Charity launches Christmas Appeal

For families spending Christmas in hospital the hope of one day celebrating at home can mean so much. This year, Maria Tejero and her family will celebrate their little boy Chester’s first Christmas at home, after spending his first two at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH). Born prematurely at 28 weeks in July 2024 at Saint Mary’s Hospital, Chester received specialist care at a local hospital before spending an extended period at RMCH, where he remained until coming home in September 2026.

Having spent two Christmases in hospital, Chester’s family, who live in North Manchester, know first-hand how much the support of hospital staff and special festive moments can mean to families facing an uncertain time. These experiences highlight why support beyond medical care is so important, helping bring comfort and joy to families when they need it most.

Saint Mary’s Hospital and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital are among the hospitals supported by Manchester Foundation Trust Charity (MFT Charity), the official charity of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. This year, MFT Charity’s Christmas Appeal aims to make a difference for the youngest patients and their families across the Trust’s family of ten hospitals.

Donations to this year’s Christmas Appeal will help fund projects and specialist services that go beyond core NHS provision, from support for newborn babies and specialist equipment to therapeutic play services that bring comfort, distraction and moments of connection to children during their time in hospital.

Chester’s Story

Speaking about Chester’s time in hospital, Maria said: “Chester had a really difficult start to life. He was born via emergency C-section at 28 weeks, where it was discovered that he had breathing complications and problems with his heart. After being transferred to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, he spent a long time in critical care and, at one point, needed a ventilator to help him breathe around the clock.

“Spending Christmas in hospital was incredibly difficult for us as a family, especially knowing other families were able to celebrate together at home. We had to take things day by day, and there were times when we didn’t know what the future would look like for Chester. The care he received was incredible, and the support from staff helped us through some very difficult moments.”

“Despite spending two Christmases on the hospital’s wards, Chester still had some special moments, including meeting players from Manchester City during their annual Christmas visit to RMCH. The Play Leaders also organised activities and trips for young patients, including a visit to the Trafford Centre, which gave families like ours something to look forward to.

“We’re so grateful to the Youth Service staff, the Play Leaders and Manchester Foundation Trust Charity for being able to make this happen, without the Charity support these moments of joy would simply not have been possible.”

Finally home for Christmas

After more than two years in hospital, Chester was able to return home in September 2026. This Christmas, Maria and her family are looking forward to spending the festive season together at home and making new memories after such a long and challenging journey.

Maria added: “The support we received at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital went beyond the medical care. The Youth Service staff and Play Leaders did so much to make the ward feel more festive and help families have special moments together, even when they were going through such a difficult time.

“Christmas in hospital was incredibly hard, but the little things made a difference. The decorations, the activities and the people who took the time to bring some happiness to the ward helped lift everyone’s spirits. We’ll always be grateful for the care Chester received and the support we had as a family.”

Angela Rowe, Deputy Director of Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, which raises funds for both Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Saint Mary’s Hospital, said: “For families spending Christmas in hospital, the care and support they receive can make an enormous difference during what can be an incredibly challenging time. Chester’s story highlights the importance of supporting not only our youngest patients, but their families too, helping create special moments and lasting memories even during difficult circumstances.

“Through our Christmas Appeal, we want to make a difference for our youngest patients by funding projects and services that go beyond core NHS provision. From therapeutic play and activities that bring joy to children on the wards, to specialist equipment that supports their care, every donation can help make a real difference to families when they need it most.”