A fundraiser set up by a Wrexham AFC star who has been on a "difficult journey" with his family is nearing its £20,000 target. James Jones and wife Chloe have been raising money for the intensive care units at both Wrexham Maelor and Bolton hospitals (adult and neonatal), as well as Spoons, the charity that supported them through their difficult journey. Their baby boy, Jude, was born 15 weeks premature on November 19, 2022, weighing 1lb 4oz (640g).
On that day, as shown on the Welcome to Wrexham series, Chloe was at the Cae Ras stadium just about to watch the Reds kick-off against Aldershot Town when she started to experience severe pain in the top of her stomach. Up until this point, Chloe’s pregnancy had been completely normal, but she was rushed to Wrexham hospital by James’ parents and shortly after arriving, it became apparent that things were not looking good for both Chloe and her unborn baby. She was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and despite multiple attempts to lower her blood pressure it became apparent that the situation was becoming increasingly dangerous.
James at the time was on the football pitch and had in fact, just scored. Fortunately, the message got through to him and manager Phil Parkinson immediately substituted him and sent him on his way. Still wearing his football kit, he was driven to the Maelor hospital and Jude was delivered by emergency caesarean section shortly afterwards.
He was born extremely premature at just 25 weeks + 1 day and only had.
