A boy who spent his first two Christmases in hospital will finally wake up at home with his family this festive season. Chester, born prematurely at 28 weeks, spent his first two festive seasons at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital (RMCH) before returning home in September 2026.
A Difficult Start to Life
Chester was born in July 2024 at Saint Mary's Hospital following an emergency Caesarean section. He faced serious health complications from the start, including breathing difficulties and problems with his heart. After receiving specialist care, he was transferred to RMCH, where he spent an extended period, including time in critical care.
His mother, Maria Tejero, described the family's experience: "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."
Christmas in Hospital
Maria said spending Christmas in hospital was incredibly difficult for the family, especially knowing other families were able to celebrate together at home. She said they had to take things day by day, and there were times when they didn't know what the future would look like for Chester.
Despite the challenges, 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 something to look forward to.
Support from Charity
Maria expressed gratitude to the Youth Service staff, the Play Leaders and Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, saying that without the Charity support these moments of joy would simply not have been possible.
This year, the Manchester Evening News' Christmas Appeal aims to raise money to help Manchester Foundation Trust Charity support some of the youngest and most vulnerable patients across Greater Manchester. Donations to the appeal will fund projects and specialist services for the poorliest children across the region.
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."
This Christmas, while Chester's family celebrate together at home, other parents will be spending the festive season in hospital, facing the same uncertainty Maria and her family know all too well.
