Our beautiful niece, Daisy, surprised us all by arriving on 12th March 2019. Daisy was born at 26 weeks, 3 months early, weighing 1lb 15oz - less than a bag of sugar.

From the moment Daisy was born, she has received the best care imaginable from a dedicated, hard-working and genuinely nice team in Wishaw General's Neonatal Unit.

Our family has been bowled over by the kindness and thoughtfulness the staff has shown us since Daisy has been cared for in the neonatal unit: Daisy’s Mummy and Daddy have received special Mother’s Day and Easter cards signed from Daisy with her footprints. The nurses have also updated Daisy’s diary to include her overnight adventures, so that her Mummy and Daddy can be reassured of how well she has done when they haven’t been able to be with her at night-time. It’s the little things like this that really go a long way and help reassure Daisy’s incredible parents during this stressful time.

The unbelievable care and kindness exhibited by staff is not unique to Daisy. These members of staff tend to the well-being of so many premature babies, day in, day out. Some babies are in the unit short-term, others require constant monitoring over a number of months and the staff ensure that there is a welcoming, friendly, warm atmosphere for every family.

We therefore want to show our appreciation of the exceptional work done by the neonatal staff by raising as much money as possible to go towards the facilities of the unit. In some small way, we want to give back to those who have given us so much.

So, here comes the challenge to raise as much money as possible. Proud Auntie Melissa (that’s me!), along with Uncle Kieran and some friends joining me along the way, will be climbing the National Three Peaks – Snowdon in Wales, Scafell Pike in England, and Ben Nevis in Scotland. We will culminate our challenge with Ben Nevis on 14th June, which was Daisy’s due date.

Please, please, please get behind me and all my crazy companions in our climbing challenge – we would appreciate any donation that you are able to make to support Wishaw General’s Neonatal Unit.

Thank you so much.