Local family raise £7320 for Neonatal Unit

On Friday 13th October, Vicky Curry and Martin Scott presented a cheque for £7,320.81 to Sunderland Royal Hospital’s Neonatal Unit, after the unit cared for their son Theo. The day was particularly special for the family, as it also marked Theo’s first birthday.

Despite only just becoming parents and a difficult first few months with Theo being taken care of at the Neonatal Unit, the couple dedicated themselves to supporting the unit in Theo’s first year to thank the unit’s staff and help other families in their situation today.

Vicky and Martin were able to mobilise local entertainers and performers to put many fundraising nights, as well as inspiring family and friends to take part in marathons and other challenge events.

“If it wasn’t for the nurses and doctors on the Neonatal Unit Theo would likely not be here today to see his first birthday. Vicky told staff on the unit. “As today is Theo’s 1st birthday we felt we should make it an extra special one and visit the staff and hand over our cheque for the amount raised so far.”

“The staff do a truly amazing job and we cannot thank them enough. We will hopefully continue to try and raise more funds for the unit next year where possible in the hopes of making our original target of £21,000 to cover the cost of a new incubator and equipment and necessary equipment.”

Kristina Simmons, Neonatal Unit Manager, said: “We are so moved that Vicky and Martin have shown such generosity, particularly while they’ve been new parents! They have shown that they care not just about Theo, but their local community and others who might find themselves in their position.

“Their fundraising is going to make an amazing difference for the little ones on our unit today and in the future, with their families. We are looking to purchasing some new equipment in the future, as well as other extras that really help our new mums and dads bond with their babies while they are still in their incubators.

“This wouldn’t be possible without Vicky and Martin’s generosity – and so we will always think of them and Theo with a smile as we go about the unit.”

If you are interested in supporting babies and families on the Neonatal Unit like Martin and Vicky, contact andy.pestell@chsft.nhs.uk