NICU- Luca Nicholas Densley

Luca Nicholas Densley’s story.

On the 11th December 2023 I went into labour at 28 weeks 12 weeks earlier than expected. I was told by several intensive care consultants what was to be expected but not sure I prepared myself enough.

Luca arrived on the 12th December 2023 at 9:05pm weighing a tiny 2lb 5oz Luca was stabilised and shortly after got rushed up to the Intensive care unit at St Micheals Bristol.

Luca’s consultants were concerned that my placenta was the size of a full term pregnancy so decided to send it off to be examined.

Luca was on breathing support and pain relief to help him from the get go. After 2 long hard weeks of the unknown we discovered Luca had contracted the COLD SORE VIRUS from myself.

The whole of St Micheals were mind blown as they haven’t ever had a baby contract the virus in the womb making Luca the first ever baby in Bristol at st Micheals with this condition.

HSV1 can be very fatal in anyone especially baby’s but with everyone’s help at the unit they were able to stabilise Luca and give him the best chance of survival.

Unfortunately the Virus had made its way into Luca’s right eye which caused Keratitis ( infection of the cornea ) and took all his sight.

After a long 12 weeks in intensive care Luca was discharged on the 22 February 2024. He was being closely monitored every week 2 times a week at Bristol Eye Hospital by serval consultants.

2nd October 2024 Luca had a pic line fitted ready for home IV meds to support him with keeping the virus at bay due to a few issues.

10th October 2024 Luca received a cornea eye transplant making him the youngest ever recipient in Bristol ever.

We have a long way to go with several set backs and challenge’s with Lucas condition which requires serval appointment’s every single week.

Without all the NICU staff Luca wouldn’t be here today and without all the infection team’s help and the consultants at the Bristol eye Hosptial he wouldn’t have the chances he has.

My challenge is to try and raise as much as I possibly can to help all the baby’s in NICU and give them the best chances just like Luca.

My Challenge’s

Dorney Lake triathlon - 9th August 2025

Three peaks Snowdon Challenge 3-5th October 2025 ( Aim to summit all three peaks in 24hrs! )

Bristol 10k 11th may 2025.

Please donate what you can to help me raise funds for St. Michaels NICU to help them continue to support other babies, like they did Luca.

Thank You,

Brooke Hale & Luca Nicholas Densley