Keeping research in the family: two generations helping improve care for the future

For one Gwent family, supporting research has become a shared story across generations, with twins Grace and Lily and their father James all contributing to a genetics study exploring how our genes influence the body’s response to serious illness. 

Grace and Lily Jefferies were born prematurely at The Grange University Hospital on 16th January 2026 at 31 weeks and 4 days. Weighing 4lb 2oz and 3lb 4oz, the twins spent their first weeks receiving specialist neonatal care before being well enough to go home on 22nd February. 

During that time, they were offered the opportunity to take part in the GenOMICC research study. Their involvement required just a single blood sample, taken alongside routine tests already carried out as part of their care. 

For their parents, Bethan and James, the decision to take part felt like a natural one, given their understanding of the importance of research. 

James said: "I started my life as a tiny 25 week preemie in a research study. Now, as a dad to my own preemie kids, enrolling them feels like bringing everything full circle. Science gave me a chance at a future, and now it's our turn to help make things even better for the next generation of little fighters." 

helping improve care for the future 

For one Gwent family, supporting research has become a shared story across generations, with twins Grace and Lily and their father James all contributing to a genetics study exploring how our genes influence the body’s response to serious illness. 

Grace and Lily Jefferies were born prematurely at The Grange University Hospital on 16th January 2026 at 31 weeks and 4 days. Weighing 4lb 2oz and 3lb 4oz, the twins spent their first weeks receiving specialist neonatal care before being well enough to go home on 22nd February. 

During that time, they were offered the opportunity to take part in the GenOMICC research study. Their involvement required just a single blood sample, taken alongside routine tests already carried out as part of their care. 

For their parents, Bethan and James, the decision to take part felt like a natural one, given their understanding of the importance of research. 

James said: "I started my life as a tiny 25 week preemie in a research study. Now, as a dad to my own preemie kids, enrolling them feels like bringing everything full circle. Science gave me a chance at a future, and now it's our turn to help make things even better for the next generation of little fighters." 

James was born prematurely at just 25 weeks and spent time in neonatal intensive care, where his parents agreed for him to take part in research as a newborn. That experience has now come full circle, with the next generation of their family contributing in the same way. 

The study aims to help researchers better understand why some people become critically ill with infections such as sepsis, flu and COVID‑19, while others recover. These conditions can lead to organ failure and remain difficult to treat. 

By studying DNA from large numbers of patients, researchers hope to identify genetic factors that influence outcomes, helping to guide more effective and targeted treatments in the future. 

Participation from families is essential to this work. For babies like Grace and Lily, the study is designed to fit alongside their existing care, with no additional procedures required.  

Now over 22 weeks old, their story is a powerful reminder on Red4Research Day, that research relies on the support of patients and families, sometimes across generations, to help improve care for years to come. 

James continued: "From the NICU to their first holiday! Thank you to the phenomenal ward and outreach teams whose skill, dedication, and guidance allowed our girls to overcome their early start."