A Harrogate dad is taking on the Yorkshire Marathon next month to fundraise for the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Harrogate District Hospital.
Earlier this year, Jacob Lockwood and his wife welcomed their baby boy, who was born prematurely at 34 weeks.
Their son was cared for in SCBU, where the family spent time in the unit’s dedicated parent accommodation.
Jacob said the facilities made a difficult time easier, allowing them to stay close to their son while also having a space away from the hospital environment.
The unit is now aiming to enhance these facilities to better support families whose babies require extra care.
Jacob said:
“Having a child born with unexpected complications is stressful but this time was made slightly easier with the fact, as parents, we could stay “on site” in one of SCBU’s parents rooms.
“A place where home comforts are present could take us away from the “hospital environment” whilst only being across the corridor to our son.
“SCBU are looking to improve these facilities so that more families can stay with their new-borns in those stressful and difficult early days.”
Planned improvements include artwork to make rooms more welcoming, updated bathroom facilities and the creation of a third parent room so that more families can remain on site.
To support the appeal, Jacob will be running the Yorkshire Marathon on 19th October.
Jacob said he is grateful for the care his son received and hopes the fundraising will make a difference for future families.
A fundraising page set up to support the appeal has raised £270 at the time of publication. Support the campaign here.
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