INSPIRED VOICES #3 Phil and Karen Batt (and Betty!)

In this episode of the Inspired Voices podcast, Cath and Adam speak to The Batt family, as Karen and Phil share their incredible journey through daughter Betty’s early and challenging life. Born over four months premature and weighing just 650 grams, Betty faced numerous life-threatening obstacles, including multiple surgeries, infections, and the need for a tracheostomy. Despite these overwhelming challenges, Betty's resilience and the unwavering support of her family and the dedicated medical team at Alder Hey have been nothing short of extraordinary. After 13 months in hospital, Betty finally went home to her siblings, Stanley and Martha.

Phil and Karen discuss the emotional and practical aspects of their journey, including the importance of family-integrated care in neonatal units, and their support of Alder Hey Children’s Charity’s Surgical Neonatal Appeal which helped to fund Family Integrated Care Rooms in Alder Hey’s upcoming Surgical Neonatal Unit, ensuring other families can stay together in a private and supportive environment. Having taken part in Alder Hey’s annual Matalan campaign and also featured as the honorary 41st runner at the Grand National over the years, Karen and Phil also highlight Betty’s remarkable spirit and the joy she brings to those around her. Through this podcast, they offer a deeply moving and hopeful perspective on the power of family, medical care, and community support in the face of adversity.

Episodes on Inspired Voices may contain brief details of medical procedures.