Portsmouth: Family of sick infant born prematurely get community help

Friends and community fundraising online for the family has raised more than £5,000

The family of a sick baby boy who was born prematurely has thanked the community for its support.

Jax was born in Portsmouth on 21 February 2023 - his mother Merry Key was 23 weeks pregnant.

As he approaches his first birthday, in the care of Southampton General Hospital, his family has been told to prepare for the worst.

Friends are fundraising online to support Jax's family.

As Jax approaches his first birthday his family has been told that the next few days are critical

Ms Key said this news from the hospital "broke her", adding: "He has fought so hard to be here and I am so proud to be his mummy."

Jax has been in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Southampton since December.

Ms Key said: "The nurses at PICU Southampton have been so generous and kind.

"They fight over who gets to care for him, he has become a little rock star up here and has showed us all he is not giving up."

Jax is in the care of the paediatric intensive care unit at Southampton General Hospital

Ms Key has four other children and Jax's father, Lee Merritt, who is self-employed, has continued to work to support the family financially.

Kathy Curtis, a friend of Ms Key said "she's so strong and positive" and has been in the hospital with her son 24/7.

Ms Curtis is fundraising online for the family and has raised more than £5,000.

She said: "We want to raise money so Merry and Lee can give Jax the best birthday and, whatever is coming, I want them to face this with no worrying how to afford things.

"Lee is self employed and needs to be with his son not worried about paying bills."

In reaction to the support from friends and the community, Ms Key said she is "overwhelmed and grateful".

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