Sarah and Gordon Brown’s heartbreaking loss of their daughter Jennifer in 2002 sparked a wave of empathy from the public. The former prime minister was serving as chancellor of the exchequer when their daughter passed away just days after her premature birth. Struggling to find answers about what had occurred, the couple received an outpouring of support through letters from thousands of individuals who had faced similar tragedies.
Motivated by their personal experience, Sarah and Gordon Brown established the Jennifer Brown Research Laboratory in 2004 to delve deeper into the causes and effects of premature birth. The Theirworld Edinburgh Birth Cohort, an initiative within the research laboratory, has been tracking the development of 400 children from birth to adulthood to gain insights into the long-term impacts of preterm birth on brain development. Preterm birth remains a significant factor contributing to mortality and disability among newborns, as well as affecting brain development in childhood.
Leading the study is Prof James Boardman from the University of Edinburgh, whose team conducts comprehensive brain scans and psychological assessments across different ages to understand the complexities of how premature birth influences brain development. One significant discovery from the study has been the correlation between poverty and its impact on brain development in children. With 400 families participating in the research – including 300 with preterm births – the study sheds light on the urgency of improving support and treatments for this vulnerable group of children.
The McPhee family from Edinburgh, whose son Elliot was born prematurely at just 25 weeks, embraced the opportunity to contribute to the research. Elliot spent four months in the hospital after his birth, facing numerous complications due to his early arrival. Despite the challenges, Elliot has shown remarkable resilience, much to the pride of his family. Recognizing the importance of research in providing better outcomes for premature babies, Robyn, Elliot’s mother, emphasized the significance of participating in the study to enhance future prospects for preterm infants
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