A Staffordshire couple turned their wedding celebration into an opportunity to give back by asking guests to donate to UHNM Charity instead of buying wedding gifts.
Julie and Steve McEvilly married in March and chose to support the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Royal Stoke University Hospital after seeing the care it gave to their great niece, Ava.
Ava spent 100 days on the unit before finally going home with her family. Since then, her mum Abigail has continued to support UHNM Charity through fundraising and donations in recognition of the care Ava received. Julie and Steve wanted to continue that support by making NICU part of their special day, with Ava proudly taking on the role of flower girl at their wedding.
Julie said:
“We got married in March and didn’t really need any presents, so we asked for donations instead. Our great niece Ava spent 100 days in NICU and they did a fantastic job looking after her. It was just our way of saying thank you for everything they did.”
Donations made to UHNM Charity help fund equipment, projects and enhancements that go above and beyond NHS provision, benefiting patients, families and staff across University Hospitals of North Midlands, including those cared for in NICU.
Julia Wilkinson, Ward Manager for NICU, said:
“Thank you so much to Julie and Steve for your generous donation to our neonatal unit in place of wedding gifts. Your kindness will help support some of the smallest patients and their families on our unit.
Congratulations, and thank you for making your special day count for so many others.”
If you’re planning a wedding, birthday or another special celebration, asking for donations to UHNM Charity instead of gifts is a meaningful way to support patients and families receiving care across University Hospitals of North Midlands.
