Furness General Hospital staff fundraise for premature babies

Samantha Griffiths, Andrea Morgan, Naomi Simpson and Steph Armstrong (Image: Samantha Griffiths) The annual day takes place around the world to raise awareness of premature birth and the devastating impact it can have on families.

According to statistics by BLISS, over 90,000 babies are cared for in neonatal units in the UK every year as a result of being born prematurely, before 37 weeks of pregnancy, or because they are born sick.

(Image: Samantha Griffiths) This means that around one in seven babies born in the UK are admitted onto neonatal units each year.

To raise money for a cause close to their hearts, SCBU nurses Samantha Griffiths, Andrea Morgan, Naomi Simpson and Steph Armstrong organised an event.

(Image: Samantha Griffiths) They invited all the babies who have been on the SCBU, and their families, to take part in a light up walk outside the South Lakes Birth Centre on Sunday November 17.

Samantha said there was a ‘fantastic’ turnout despite the drizzly weather as around one hundred people showed up.

(Image: Samantha Griffiths) The SCBU Team said: "We are absolutely beyond blown away by the turnout for our World Prematurity Day 2024 event this year. The prams, scooters, umbrellas, hats and much more, were all so amazing. What a fab effort.

“It was so heart-warming to see the trail of light walking through the hospital - I think a few patients enjoyed the view from their windows too.”

(Image: Samantha Griffiths) So far, Samantha said they have raised £1,000, and there is ‘more to come’.

The money will be split between Bay Hospitals Charity SCBU and BLISS.

“We all had a giant whoop and the biggest cuddle when we counted up how much we all raised,” the SCBU Team said. “What a difference that money will make.”

(Image: Samantha Griffiths) The team said how ‘lucky’ and ‘thankful’ they are for the generosity of local businesses who supported the event.

Barrow cricket club provided the room and facilities for the event, Barrow Business Improvement District contributed a number of games for people to play and Proudly Personal supplied a bouncy castle.

(Image: Samantha Griffiths) Kirsty's Creations created a balloon arch for the evening and they welcomed The Smithy Chippy Van.

There were ‘yummy’ cupcakes from Morgan's Cakes and raffle prizes provided by Marks and Spencer’s, Booths and Starbucks.

(Image: Samantha Griffiths) “We couldn't have done it all without these extremely kind donations,” the SCBU Team said. 

“It was so lovely to see all of our ever growing SCBU family. We already can't wait for next year’s event.”

Any further donations can be sent to Special Care Baby Unit via the Bay Charity office.