Hello Donna,

I just wanted to say a big thank you for all the work that you have put into the Maternity Review in Telford and Shrewsbury.  Due to the positive outcome of our pregnancy I never expected to be added to the review but felt that I should pass on what we had experienced. I felt and still feel that our experiences were significantly less devastating than all the other stories I have read, yet when you met us, and then me on my own, I felt like our story was important to you and felt nothing but empathy from you.

I do not know how you had the fortitude to complete your task, and cannot imagine how much time you’ve dedicated to it.  I find it almost impossible to read the stories of the families who were part of this review and feel nothing but gratitude that there are people in this world like yourself, who can listen to and empathise with every story, in order to ensure that they end up being heard by the wider public and the relevant authorities.  I will forever be indebted to you and the brave families who came forward, as your work impacted on me and led to me ensuring our care was transferred to Birmingham, and I don’t think that I’d have my incredible twins had your investigation not been in progress at the time.

The twins are simply amazing and bring a smile to my face every day.  We are still waiting for the meeting with the hospital which was offered to us 11 months ago now.  I am constantly pushing and will be a thorn in their side until they sit down with us.

I have seen a lot written about families in Nottingham wanting you to head their investigation.  While I understand their feelings I feel that this, and the media coverage afforded to it, is unfair on you.  You have done so much to help so many people in the last 5 years, and put yourself through far more than any person should have to go through.  To me you are simply an amazing and wonderful person for doing what you have done.  I hope that you are able to take some time for yourself and recover from this ordeal, and hope that you can ignore the requests for you to do more.  I also feel that the actions that come from the report are very much out of your hands and we have to hope that they are fully implemented, but I want you to know that even if things don’t go the way you and others hope, then there are at least two little toddlers who owe their lives to the work you put in.

January 2024