Wheelchair User Teresa Smith Takes Flight for Preemie Babies

Teresa Smith was told she had two minutes to live when she was born in Liverpool with severe limb disabilities caused by thalidomide. Seven decades later, the wheelchair user and disability advocate is preparing to take a charity flight to help the tiniest patients fighting for their own survival.

On October 3rd, Teresa will fly with Ravenair to raise £5,000 for neonatal vein viewers at Liverpool Women's Hospital. These specialized devices help medical staff locate the tiny veins of premature babies when providing essential treatment.

The retired social worker's mission is deeply personal. Two babies close to her family, including one born at just 28 weeks, inspired her to understand the challenges faced by premature infants and their caregivers.

"Against the odds, I survived and have been fortunate to lead a full and meaningful life," Teresa said. "This fundraiser is particularly close to my heart because of these two babies and their experiences."

Teresa was awarded the British Empire Medal for her charitable and community work. She founded the Teresa Smith Foundation, a registered charity, to continue supporting causes across Merseyside.

Why This Inspires

Teresa refuses to let her disability define her limits. Baptized at Alder Hey Hospital after doctors gave her family devastating news, she has spent her life proving that survival is just the beginning.

Her latest challenge sends a powerful message: the person who needed intensive medical care as a newborn is now raising money to improve care for the next generation. She hopes her story encourages others to believe that disability doesn't prevent someone from making a difference.

"I may be taking to the sky, but the real heroes are the premature babies, their families and the dedicated neonatal staff who care for them every day," Teresa said.

The campaign welcomes donations of any size, and Teresa encourages people who cannot donate to share the appeal instead.

Sometimes the babies who fight hardest in their first moments grow up to fight just as hard for others.