Wirral's independent local news website
The much-loved Arrowe Park Abseil returns to the hospital this September WUTH Charity’s Tiny Stars Neonatal Appeal benefitting from the donations raised.
Participants will take on the challenge of abseiling down the side of Arrowe Park Hospital’s building during the event which will run for two days from Thursday 22 September until Friday 23 September. Anyone over the age of 12 years is invited to take part and brave the three-storey drop.
Last year’s abseil was a great success with 130 fundraisers taking part, raising £31,000 for the incredible neonatal unit at Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) which specialises in the care of ill or premature new-born infants.
Taking on the challenge again is Candice Jardine, 30, whose twins Teddy and Sofia Dallinger, now 3 years old, were born premature and in need of specialist intensive care at the neonatal unit at Arrowe Park.
Candice, from Moreton said, “The work they do is incredible. I didn’t even know premature babies could be born at 25 weeks. My idea of a premature baby was 4/6 weeks early. The twins were so small when they were born and the work of everyone at the unit helped to save the lives of my babies. They are all superheroes.
“Obviously, they are amazing at looking after the babies but the care and compassion they show towards parents in the unit as well is magnificent. It feels like a family in there and even now I keep in contact with everyone there.”
Teddy and Sofia are both doing amazingly well and, despite the challenges they have faced in life, they are able to walk, eat and drink like any other toddler.
Candice believes this was only made possible by the work done by the nurses and doctors in the unit.
She added, “Most people don’t even know that the neonatal unit exists, but they save babies’ lives every single day. It’s so important that initiatives like this happen because it raises even more awareness for the unit and educates people of the incredible work done at the Neonatal Unit.”
Dr Nikki Stevenson, Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, who was the first to abseil down the building last year, spoke on her experience of participating.
She said, “It was fantastic to take part in the abseil last year and I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone for joining us and raising money.
“This appeal is incredibly important to the Trust as it is all in aid to help support our most fragile premature babies. It was amazing to do the abseil and I would recommend anyone to do it.”
WUTH Charity is encouraging people to do the abseil in the comfort of their best fancy dress outfit and is wanting as many different people and companies to get involved to fundraise.
Phil Crawford, Community & Events Fundraiser at WUTH Charity said, “It’s amazing to welcome Candice back to participate in the abseil again. Last time this event raised £31,000 and we’re looking forward to raising even more money for the incredible neonatal unit here at WUTH.”
If you’re up for the challenge of the Arrowe Park Abseil on 22 or 23 September 2022, you can register by contacting the team on 0151 487 7788 or via email at wuth.charity@nhs.net
Registration is £10 and the minimum sponsorship is £50, and you must be 12 years or older. Places are limited, so register now to participate in this exciting event.
Main image: Twins Teddy and Sofia Dallinger
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