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A Full-Circle Moment: Police Officer Zak Stevens Reunites with nurses who helped him survive his premature birth

An emotional and heartwarming reunion took place at Peterborough City Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) when a local family returned to express their profound gratitude to the dedicated team who cared for their son, Zak, nearly four decades ago.

Zak Stevens is a police officer from Peterborough and a father of two, but 38 years ago he was born at just 27 weeks and 3 days gestation in Peterborough District Hospital. In a recent visit to the Peterborough City Hospital NICU, Zak, along with parents Lian and Mark, also from Peterborough, presented a generous donation to improve facilities for parents of other pre-term and poorly babies.

The visit held a special surprise when some of the nurses who provided care to Zak and his parents during his fragile neonatal days were there to greet them. Among them were nurses Sharon, George, and Margaret, who shared a poignant moment of reconnection with the family.

Pic cap: Nurses: Sharon, George and Margret, with parents Lian, Mark and Zak

The afternoon was a cherished opportunity for both the Stevens family and the hospital staff to reminisce, share precious memories, and reflect on Zak's incredible journey.

Katie Barke, Neonatal Intensive Care Ward Manager, said: “It was an honour to be able to share such precious memories and milestones. There was a real sense that Zak’s journey had come full circle, and it was wonderful to see how well he has thrived after a premature start to life."

In one of many emotional moments of the visit, Zak's mother, Lian, found a poem she wrote along with photos in one of the memory books kept on the ward.

Pic Cap: Finding the poem written by Lian in the ward’s memory book.

Lian said: “We wanted to share our heartfelt thanks to all the incredible nurses. It was so special to see them again. We are forever grateful for the care, compassion, and dedication they gave us. It means the world to us as a family and will always hold a special place in our hearts."

Pic Cap: Cheque presentation, including Lead Nurse Tracy James, Ward Manager Katie Barke with the family and some of the nurses who cared for the family 38 years ago.