A BALLARAT street has embraced a young Hamilton woman who gave birth 13 weeks prematurely and must now travel to Melbourne each day to be with her little boy.
Rebecca Morgan, 20, gave birth to Marcus Cross at the Warrnambool hospital on January 5, only 27 weeks into her pregnancy.
He weighed just over a kilogram and was only 37 centimetres from head to toe.
Because he was so premature, doctors rushed Marcus to Melbourne, where he is currently at the Royal Women’s Hospital under expert care.
But after an initial one-night stay, no beds were available for Rebecca, who had to then leave her newborn baby and seek alternative accommodation in Melbourne.
With no luck, Rebecca didn’t know where to turn, until Ballarat woman KT Rivers — a relation to one of Rebecca’s friends — came to the rescue.
She and her fiance took Rebecca in, providing clothing, accommodation and regular transport to and from Melbourne.
But they didn’t do it alone.
Residents of Clyde Street have banded together to provide what they can for Rebecca, as she continues to hunt for accommodation in Melbourne.
“It was pretty scary, knowing that he was in Melbourne and I had to stay behind,” she said.
“I want to thank so many people — especially Clyde Street. It’s very important for me to be here and it means a lot to me.”
Rebecca said that once Marcus is full-term he can come home with her, but until then, she has to keep searching for accommodation.
Ms Rivers said she didn’t hesitate to offer Rebecca somewhere to stay when she heard about the young mum’s plight.
“I’m just amazed at the street,” she said.
“One neighbour has lent us a car for travelling down to Melbourne, another one has donated food and blankets.
“Everyone’s just pitched in.”
Ms Rivers said the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative had provided medical care for Rebecca and money for petrol, while other Clyde Street neighbours had also helped with food and bedding.
“This is what battlers do — we stick together,” she said.
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