A new mum from Kesgrave is preparing to take a leap of faith to raise funds for the “amazing” nurses at Ipswich hospital who cared for her poorly baby.  

Carmen Pearce and her partner Josh Lionnet welcomed their daughter, Sienna Robyn Pearce Lionnet on October 22. 

However, Sienna had difficulty breathing, and was quickly rushed up to the neonatal intensive care unit at Ipswich Hospital, where she remained for 'a week or two'. 

“It was very scary,” said Carmen. “This is our first child, and we didn’t know what to expect, but they were very supportive.” 

Ipswich Star: Baby Sienna had to spend a 'week or two' at the neonatal unit at Ipswich Hospital. Image: Carmen PearceBaby Sienna had to spend a 'week or two' at the neonatal unit at Ipswich Hospital. Image: Carmen Pearce (Image: Carmen Pearce)Ipswich Star: Baby Sienna held by her proud parents, Carmen and Josh. Image: Carmen PearceBaby Sienna held by her proud parents, Carmen and Josh. Image: Carmen Pearce (Image: Carmen Pearce)

Josh agreed. “They kept us really informed about any decisions they were making. They tried to include us in it, which put us at ease,” he said. 

“When it came to feeding her through the tube, one of us would put our finger in her mouth for the baby to suck on, and one of us was allowed to put the milk in the tubes. It was stuff like that, to make it easier for parents, which I thought was really nice.” 

Sienna was soon strong enough to come home, but her parents were nevertheless determined to “give something back” to the team who had helped them through her first few weeks. 

Ipswich Star: Baby Sienna experienced her first Christmas this year, and her proud parents said that she definitely made Santa's nice list. Image: Carmen PearceBaby Sienna experienced her first Christmas this year, and her proud parents said that she definitely made Santa's nice list. Image: Carmen Pearce (Image: Carmen Pearce)Ipswich Star: Baby Sienna is now two months old. Image: Carmen PearceBaby Sienna is now two months old. Image: Carmen Pearce (Image: Carmen Pearce)

As luck would have it, Josh had already booked Carmen a skydive for last Christmas which she had to postpone, having fallen pregnant with Sienna.  

“We decided to get it booked in to raise money for the neonatal unit,” explained Josh. The skydive having already been paid for, all funds raised will go directly to the hospital. 

Carmen is now preparing for her skydive on March 22. 

“I’m very scared – but it will be worth it,” she said. 

The couple enjoyed their first Christmas as a family, and said that two-month-old Sienna was a very good girl, and even allowed her parents to catch up on some sleep. 

To donate to the fundraiser, search ‘Carmen Pearce’ on gofundme.com or click here