Two Tasmanian twins have raised $10,000 for their 21st birthday in an effort to give back to the doctors and nurses who saved their lives.
Liam Donaghy and his twin brother TJ were born prematurely at just 28 weeks, seven minutes apart.
TJ weighed 3 pounds 1 ounce (1400 grams), while Liam weighed 2 pounds 10 ounces (1188 grams).
Liam spent the first six months of his life in and out of the Royal Hobart Hospital’s Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, while TJ spent around three months there.
“The nurses and the doctors saved my life on more than one occasion,” Liam said.
“I will always be grateful for one nurse in particular Julie Doran however without all the hardworking, selfless, experienced and quick-thinking nurses that work in the NPICU I wouldn’t be here today.”
“I know that I could never repay them for what they have done for me but I feel that this will at least show some form of appreciation for everything they have done for myself and my brother.”
The Donaghy’s raised $10,000 over the course of three weeks before their 21st birthday on February 28, having briefly conceived the idea a few years ago.
On Friday morning, the twins were reunited with nurse Julie Doran to present the $10,000 cheque.
The funds will be used to continue life-saving treatment at the hospital.
