UPDATE#2 (3rd June 2009)

As we have now passed my (revised) weight loss deadline of the end of May I thought I'd give a formal update on how successful I have been - however for those who see me on a daily basis the update will, of course, not be needed!!

Due to a number of pathetic excuses which I won't even try to trot out on here I have not been back to the gym more than a handful of times and have eaten junk food like it was going out of fashion - As such I have lost no more weight and, in fact, have probably put it all back on since UPDATE#1! However I dare not step on the scales at the moment so can't officially report back my current weight.....

So, sad to say, I've failed - But I've still raised a good amount to support the wonderful work that the Bradford Special Care Baby Unit do. I've donated my £50 and will be continuing (or should that be 'starting') to focus on losing weight through the rest of 2009. I'm hoping to finally get down to my desired weight (i.e. 2 stone lighter - at least!) by then and if I can I'll double my donation....

For those of you who donated I thank you greatly for your support and (mis-judged) faith in my will power - Hopefully none of you will mind, given the cause, that I've miserably failed my challenge; however for those who feel particularly upset about it I'll be happy to refund you from my own pocket. Just shout!

The most important thing, of course, is that Kaiden continues to do well since leaving the Unit - I haven't heard from William in the past week or so but when I last saw Kaiden he seemed to be coming on strong.

Thanks again...... Paul 'Lard' Yeomans

UPDATE#1

**THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO UPDATE ON IS THAT KAIDEN, DESPITE A SET BACK A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO, IS DOING EXCEEDINGLY WELL.......FANTASTIC NEWS I'M SURE YOU'LL ALL AGREE!**

As it's now been about a month since I started this 'challenge' I thought I'd also take five minutes to update the page with my progress.

Sadly being told I had Sciatica the same week as I kicked this thing off has somewhat hampered my success so far!! Because of this problem I have been unable to get anywhere near a gym and, as such, am relying on losing weight through dieting alone. I have managed to lose 7lbs so far which is 'not bad' but also, in my opinion, 'not good' - had I been able to add some physical activity into the mix I'm fairly sure I'd have dropped at least a stone by now.

I start my physiotherapy next week and am hopeful this will enable me to get back to the gym - This is now the missing link in my weight loss strategy as, most days, I am eating pretty well.

Because of this I am extending the duration of this campaign until the end of May (the fundraising page doesn't close until June anyway) - I'm confident I'll have lost at least two stone by then which will enable me to donate (at least) £50 as originally planned. If I lose more, which I sincerely hope to do, then I will be donating more.

Kaiden will, of course, be home by then and I will be sure to keep all my sponsors informed of his progress.

Thank you to everyone who has donated (both on and off-line) - It is genuinely much appreciated.

PY (23/02/09)

Background

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

On the 4th January two of my very close friends welcomed their new baby boy (Kaiden) to the world, however as he was born 10 weeks early he weighed just 1.94 Kg (4 lbs 4 oz) and had to be placed into the care of the Special Care Baby Unit (more specifically the Neonatal High Dependency Unit) at the Bradford Royal Infirmary where he is likely to stay until near his original due date of March 17th.

Kaiden is doing very well so far and as a way to raise money for the SCBU his father is undertaking a 'sponsored slim' between now and when Kaiden was originally due to be born - He aims to raise £500 by losing 2stone in the next 9 weeks. (UPDATE: He has now already raised £1000!!)....

To offer my support, and because I badly needed the incentive myself, I have decided to join William (Kaiden's father) in his weight loss quest - I will be donating £2 for every 1lb of weight I lose with the hope of losing at least 21 lbs (1.5 stones). Assuming I achieve my target weight loss by the end of March 2009 then I will make this up to a £50 donation towards the SCBU charity.

As this is such a great cause, and one particularly dear to my heart at this moment in time, I would be really grateful if you would sponsor me to help raise (at least) a further £75.

Thanks in advance for any support you are willing to provide.


The B.R.I. Special Care Baby Unit

The Neonatal Unit is situated in the Maternity Unit of the BRI on the ground floor.

There are many different reasons for a baby to admitted to the unit, and these may include being premature or small at birth, or if the baby is having problems breathing. Approximately 1 in 10 babies in the UK spend some time on a neonatal unit, so it is not uncommon.

On the unit there are 27 beds in total, divided into three rooms -

¬ Room 1 - Neonatal High Dependency Unit - Has ten beds in total, six of which provide intensive care facilities for babies, e.g. those requiring breathing support. Babies placed in this room will be closely monitored and may have regular tests to check on their wellbeing.

¬ Rooms 2 & 3 - Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) - Has 17 beds split between the two rooms, and provides care for babies who require less intensive care, e.g. those that need help to establish their feeding, or need light therapy for jaundice.

The BRI also has a Transitional Care Unit (nine beds) based on Ward M1 on the first floor of the Maternity Unit, where mother and baby are looked after together by an integrated team of midwives and neonatal nurses.

The unit is led by four consultants - Dr. Chatfield, Dr. Day, Dr. Seal, and Dr. Oddie.

A team of registrars and senior house officers work alongside the consultants to help to provide the best possible medical care for your baby.

The nursing team includes the matron, sisters, staff nurses, student nurses and nursery nurses and provides 24 hour care for your baby, as well as support and education for you as parents.

Other members of staff you may see on the unit include the practice development nurse, regional clinical educator, ward clerk, radiologists, physiotherapists, and domestic staff.


Donating

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Charitable Fund gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.