This Is Guernsey

By Zoe Ash

WHEN a young mum-to-be was rushed to hospital in Southampton in premature labour, Flybe went the extra mile to make life easier.

Kerrin Leigh, aged 16, was rushed to hospital on 13 November, 28 weeks into her pregnancy, with pre-eclampsia - a life or death situation for both her and her baby.

‘The baby had to come out as soon as possible. It was very frightening for everyone. We did not know what was happening,’ said Kerrin’s grandfather, Hampshire Lodge licensee Peter Leigh (pictured).

Within an hour, the first-time mum and her boyfriend, Craig Horsepool, 17, were on an aircraft heading for Southampton Hospital. ‘It was all very quick. We had fantastic service from the Health department here in Guernsey,’ said Mr Leigh.

Riley was born later that night, weighing just 1lb 14oz. Three days later, he had to have a five-hour operation on part of his bowel.

On 18 November, Mr Leigh went to visit his granddaughter and new great-grandson.

Kerrin and her boyfriend were due to fly back with him for a couple of days to get some clothes and sort out finances.

Miss Leigh had arrived in the UK with only the clothes she had on. Although nearby accommodation was provided by the hospital, Riley could potentially be in hospital there for up to six months.

‘Kerrin is only young herself and as long as the baby was OK, there was nothing she could do and she needed to come home for a few days. Then the doctor said they were going to have to do another operation so we had to change their flights,’ said Mr Leigh.

He explained the situation to Flybe’s station manager at Southampton Airport. She said Mr Leigh could change the flights and that there would be no charge.

‘I said we didn’t know when they would be coming back because, if anything went wrong, things might change and she said it was no problem. At that point, it was such a relief, we all burst into tears - they were all so nice.

‘When the chips were down, they were exemplary,’ said Mr Leigh.

Mother and baby are both doing well and two-week-old Riley is now breathing on his own.

‘Helping Mr Leigh and his family was Flybe showing that when we call our services from Guernsey lifeline routes, we really mean it,’ said Niall Duffy, head of PR and public affairs.

He said the airline was delighted it had been able to help Riley’s family and be of support at such a time. ‘Our staff have a stressful job and we trust them to show common sense and discretion in dealing with such situations.’

Article posted on 1st December, 2008 - 2.29pm