My nephew George was born at the Lister Hospital after his mum suddenly went into labour at 29 weeks. He weighed 3 pounds 4 ounces and moments after his birth needed to be transferred to an incubator in the Special Care Baby Unit, where he was looked after for the next 5 weeks. After coming home, George became ill again and had to be admitted twice more — to Bluebell, the children’s ward at the Lister, and also for a time to Paediatric Intensive Care at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, where he underwent a life saving operation.
Throughout his time at hospital, doctors and nurses went out of their way to support both George and his parents, and it was this care and treatment that meant George overcame his difficulties and infections and without them George would not be where he is today.
Since leaving hospital, Georges mother Milly has worked hard to raise money for the special care baby unit at the North and East NHS trust. The money raised goes towards improving facilities allowing parents to stay with their children in hospital, the purchase of different monitors which improves the care offered to babies.
My aim is to raise £2000 for the special care baby unit at the North and East Herts NHS trust so they can continue to provide the expert care for the babies and support to their parents. My challenge is a 4 day bike ride from Paris to Geneva which is just under 350 miles and includes a mountain climb of the Col De La Faucille. This climb has appeared in Le Tour De France 41 times and peaks at 4,341 ft. I have given myself a year to go from novice cyclist to one who is capable of completing this challenge.
Any money you donate will be greatly appreciated. For more information about the charity and where the money goes, as well as the stories of Children and Parents who have relied on the special care baby unit, please visit listerlittlehelpers.org
Many thanks
Matt
