A GROUP of cyclists will take on a 62-mile challenge to thank the hospital team in Tameside who helped save the life of a baby born nine weeks early.
The ride, set to take place on April 10, will see family and friends of baby Herbie cycle from Barnsley Hospital to Tameside Hospital and back again.
It will raise money for the neonatal units that supported the family during an emotional and uncertain time.
Herbie was born prematurely on November 17 last year, with mum Jess Richardson and her family facing an anxious start when no neonatal intensive care beds were available locally in Barnsley.
He was transferred to the hospital in Ashton-under-Lyne, where specialist teams at Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust stepped in to provide the urgent care he needed.
Now, months on, Herbie’s family are determined to give something back.
Jess said: “When Herbie arrived nine weeks early, it was an incredibly frightening time for us. Because there were no NICU beds available in Barnsley, we were transferred to Tameside where both of us received such amazing care and support.
“The teams at both hospitals helped us through one of the most challenging times in our lives. This bike ride is our way of saying thank you and giving something back so other families going through similar experiences can be supported too.”
The fundraising effort will support neonatal intensive care units through both Tameside & Glossop NHS Charity and Barnsley Hospital Charity, helping to fund equipment and support beyond core NHS provision.
Emily Whelan, Charity Manager at Tameside & Glossop NHS Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Jess, her partner and their friends for taking on this fantastic challenge.”
Jane Mills, Charity Development Manager at Barnsley Hospital Charity, added: “Stories like Herbie’s highlight just how vital neonatal services are and how hospitals work together to ensure babies receive the care they need.
“We’re delighted to support this inspiring fundraiser and are thankful to everyone taking part. The funds raised will help us continue improving the environment and support available for families whose babies need specialist care.”
Donations can be made via the group’s JustGiving page, with funds helping ensure other families arriving at Tameside Hospital in similar circumstances receive the same level of care and support.