UHNM staff and local health club take on cycle challenge for UHNM Charity

Maternity and bereavement staff from University Hospitals of North Midlands and Fit Bodies Health Club have raised more than £2,000 for UHNM Charity.

Both teams took on the challenge of cycling 315 miles, which represents UK figures for baby loss each day - 302 miscarriages, eight stillbirths and five neonatal deaths.

The money raised from the cycle will go towards an outdoor contemplation area at UHNM for families who have experienced a loss.

Sarah Jamieson, Director of Midwifery at UHNM said: “The cycle challenge was a great success, with lots of clinical and non-clinical staff getting involved to raise funds for the contemplation area.

“I would like to thank everyone for supporting us and Fit Bodies Health Club for their involvement in this challenge. We are very proud of all the teams for their commitment to this project for the families of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.”

Caroline Birchall, Specialist Bereavement Midwife, said: “We wanted to do the cycle challenge so as many members of staff could take part. It was a huge success with so many people getting involved to support us.

“We will continue to hold different fundraising events to ensure we reach our target.”

Members of Fit Bodies Health Club presented the cheque to the Director of Midwifery and the charity team.

Daniel Stanton, owner of Fit Bodies Health Club, said: “We were asked to get involved by Caroline and we came up with the idea of running the event here at the same time as the event at UHNM.

“It was a fantastic day, we had members on the bikes, doing 20 minutes each throughout the day, the whole gym got involved.

“The neonatal and maternity unit is close to a lot of people’s hearts, so we were proud to be involved and to contribute to a great cause.”

Steve Rushton, Head of UHNM Charity, said: “I would like to thank everyone for their involvement in this challenge. It was wonderful to see the local community and staff from UHNM work together to raise funds for the contemplation area.

“The area will make a big difference to families, and we will continue to fully support the maternity and bereavement team.”

If you would like to fundraise for UHNM Charity visit www.uhnmcharity.org.uk  for more information, or call 01782 676444 to speak to one of the UHNM Charity team.