A couple from Ayrshire have donated more than £15,000 to University Hospital Wishaw’s Neonatal Unit in memory of their twin daughters, Evie and Ella.
Lisa and Ian Stewart raised an incredible £15,653 through a 23-mile Kiltwalk and fundraising race night, supported by family, friends and their local community.
The donation has been made in loving memory of Evie and Ella, who were cared for at Wishaw’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) after being born extremely prematurely in July 2025.
Lisa Stewart said: “From the moment we arrived at Wishaw, the doctors, nurses and wider team welcomed us with such kindness, compassion and reassurance. They made us feel like an important part of our daughters’ care and never made us feel like visitors, they made us feel like parents.
“Although our hearts are forever broken, we will always be grateful that Wishaw gave us precious time with our girls and cared for them with such dignity, love and compassion until the very end.
“Raising money for the neonatal unit became our way of honouring Evie and Ella’s memory and giving something back to the people who gave our daughters the very best chance at life. We hope the funds raised will help support babies and families who sadly find themselves facing similar circumstances.”
Lisa went into spontaneous labour at just 23 weeks pregnant and was transferred by emergency ambulance from Ayrshire to University Hospital Wishaw.
Evie and Ella were born on 5 July 2025 at 23 weeks and six days gestation, weighing just over one pound each. The twins were admitted to NICU, where they received specialist care. Tragically, Ella died at 12 days old and Evie passed away six weeks after her birth.
Determined to honour their daughters’ memory and support other families facing similar experiences, Lisa and Ian organised a series of fundraising events. Fourteen family members and friends completed the Glasgow Kiltwalk before a race night brought together loved ones to celebrate the lives of Evie and Ella.
Ian Stewart said: “Taking part in the Kiltwalk and organising the race night was both physically and emotionally challenging, but nothing compared to the fight our girls showed every day of their lives.
“When we realised we had raised more than £15,000, we were completely overwhelmed. It showed us just how deeply loved Evie and Ella are and reassured us that they will never be forgotten.
“Every member of staff at Wishaw Neonatal Unit is extraordinary. Throughout our time on the unit we saw first-hand the skill, dedication and compassion they bring to every baby and family. We will be forever grateful for everything they did for Evie, Ella and for us.”
Sharon Oosterbosch, Neonatal Senior Nurse, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Lisa and Ian and everyone who supported their fundraising efforts in memory of Evie and Ella.
“Their generosity is truly remarkable and their donation will help us continue to support babies and families receiving care within our neonatal unit. We are honoured that they have chosen to create such a meaningful legacy for their daughters, and we will always remember Evie and Ella.”
