15 Jul Essex mum wins Tommy’s Inspirational Mum Award
An Essex mother whose babies were born prematurely, and who set up a project to offer care and support to families with premature and sick babies in NICU following her experience, has won a national award for being an inspiration to others.
Ola Adegbenro, age 34, from Maple Road in Grays, was presented with the Inspirational Mum award by celebrity mum and author Giovanna Fletcher at the Tommy’s Awards ceremony which took place yesterday (11 July) at the Oxo Tower in London.
The Tommy Awards celebrates inspirational people who have triumphed against adversity as well as brands and businesses who offer support to families.
Speaking about the award, Ola said: “It’s an incredible honour to be presented with the Inspirational Mum award. When I started Colourful Beginnings it wasn’t for any recognition or awards, so I am extremely shocked to have won this award. This is a reminder that the work I am doing is important, appreciated and is helping families.”
Ola’s first child was born at 23 weeks three years ago, with no chance of surviving, but after a very long nine months in five different hospitals, she made it home on home oxygen. Her second girl was born at 29 weeks and had her share of the NICU journey. After her experience, Ola started her project Colourful Beginnings to support other families with premature or sick babies.
The project, which has a strong community of 21,000 followers on Instagram, offers support to families by sharing personal stories, organising events for parents and providing free care packages.
Tommy’s is a charity which funds research into the causes of stillbirth, premature birth and miscarriage, and provides information for parents-to-be.
Celebrities who attended the award ceremony includes Emily Andre, Frankie Bridge, Clemmie Hooper and Izzy Judd.
