Bradford Hospitals Children’s Charity off to a flying start (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford Hospitals Children’s Charity off to a flying start

7:00am Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in News

Bradford Hospitals Children’s Charity raised £11,600 from its first fundraiser for the district’s sick children – and the figure is rising.

The charity, which was set up by doctors and nurses at Bradford Teaching Hospitals, aims to provide ‘home comforts’ alongside state-of-art equipment that every doctor would choose if budgets allowed.

Consultant paediatrician Beccy Bardgett said: “The charity’s first fundraiser, the 170-mile coast to coast cycle, was an absolutely amazing experience.

“The 56 cyclists who took part have raised a superb £11,600 to date and we’ve still got hundreds of pounds left to come in, so the final total will end up far greater than our initial £10,000 target.

“The response and generosity of the public – many who have never been to Bradford in their lives – was truly awe-inspiring, from the AA man who donated £20 after he was called out to help with one of our support vehicles to the cyclists who were riding in the opposite direction who donated £10 after their puncture was repaired by one of our cyclists!

“The rapport between us cyclists and the public was fantastic, so on behalf of everyone involved in Bradford Hospitals Children’s Charity’s first fundraising effort and the sick children of Bradford and their families, I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has sprinkled some sunshine on our hospitals today.”

Gemma and Mohammed Akram, of Shipley, are also fundraising for the charity. Their 21-month-old daughter Amber was born 14 weeks early, weighing just 895g, and stayed in Bradford Royal Infirmary’s neonatal unit for ten weeks.

“She could fit in my hand she was so small,” said Gemma, 26, who did a skydive on Friday to raise money for the charity, even though she is scared of heights.

“Amber is in good health now, but if it wasn’t for the neonatal unit she would not be here. She is my world and this is my way of giving other mums the happy ending I had. It is a brilliant cause.”

Gemma added: “My skydive was a success, it was truly amazing and raised £1,000 for the charity. My instructor Martin was absolutely brilliant and helped control my nerves whilst going up in the aircraft. I enjoyed every minute, even though he dived head first and I was freefalling at 120mph!”

To donate to the charity, visit: justgiving.com/Bradford-Hospitals-Childrens-Charity If you are interested in holding a fundraising event, e-mail Jane Campbell at jane.campbell@bthft.

nhs.uk or telephone 07932 851604.