‘Thank you’ Special Baby Unit

A Thame family has raised £1200 for the Special Baby Unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital, in appreciation of the unit’s ‘wonderful work’ with their daughter Sophie.

Three years ago, Donna Webb of Hamilton Road, Thame, was rushed into the JR having gone into labour two weeks early. On arrival it was discovered that Donna was suffering from a ruptured placenta. She was whisked into theatre where Sophie was born via emergency caesarean section.

Friend of the family, Tom Mackriell, took up the story: “Sophie was then monitored by the SCBU and through their incredible care and expertise both Donna and Sophie are here with us today to tell the tale. The work that the SCBU do is so crucial to many families and they have saved many young lives.

“As a ‘thank you’ Donna and her husband Michael felt it was time they gave something back to the wonderful unit that gave so much hope and support in their hour of need. Back in September and October, along with help from their friends and family, they held a raffle (Ed. Quiz master, Tom Mackriell) and a quiz with great prizes including tickets for the theatre and a brilliant overnight spa break and other locally donated prizes. The quiz night back in October was a great success and helped boost the final total which was a healthy £1200!”

Last month Donna, Michael and Sophie went back to the Special Baby Care Unit to hand over the cheque and to give their thanks in person. Penny Hambridge, the Children’s Development Officer at the John Radcliffe, had this to say of their hard work.

“This was an amazing achievement by Donna, Michael and their friends and family to raise such a sum. We are always so grateful to people who support the Hospital and enable us to provide medical equipment and facilities that are beyond what the NHS alone can fund.”

Donna and Michael would like to thank everyone involved and for all the support they received and said: “This really does mean the world to us and will do for so many other parents who have and had their babies cared for at this wonderful unit.”

Anyone who is interested in fundraising for the SBCU or would like to donate more, can visit Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Charitable Fund’s website at http://www.ouh.nhs.uk/charity/