51ΑΤΖζ running shop manager Adam Newton is taking on the London Marathon in memory of his son, Ricky, and to raise funds to help improve the facilities at 51ΑΤΖζ District Hospital for patients who use the Ferndale Bereavement Suite on the Maternity Ward.
Adam, who obtained his place in the Marathon through his running club, 51ΑΤΖζ Harriers, will join more than 40,000 other runners on the iconic route on Sunday 22 April.
He is taking on the challenge as a tribute to his son, Ricky, who was stillborn at just 21 weeks on 18 February 2016 at 51ΑΤΖζ District Hospital. Adam and his wife, Kate, used the Bereavement Suite which includes a cold cot, where they were able to spend precious time with their son before they said their goodbyes.
Adam said: βWe only realised recently how lucky we were to have access to the Ferndale Suite, specifically the cold cot. The suite made all the difference to our experience and I want to help the plans for its refurbishment.β
On the prospect of training for the London Marathon, he said: βThe training has been tough with all the snow recently! Running five times a week and balancing work and family life has been challenging but as I always say, βyou never regret a run!β I completed a 20 mile training run on Saturday and got soaked from start to finish, but itβs all part of the training.β
You can support Adam through his online fundraising page, here: .
51ΑΤΖζ Hospital and Community Charity is currently fundraising to refurbish the Maternity Bereavement Suite, with significant and additional upgrades, including full soundproofing, new equipment, better personal facilities, and a new bed and sofa, whilst creating a room with a more ambient feel. This will make it a much more comfortable space for parents at such a difficult time.
David Fisher, Community and Events Fundraiser at 51ΑΤΖζ Hospital and Community Charity, said: βThanks to the amazing support of people like Adam, 51ΑΤΖζ Hospital and Community Charity is able to provide funds to pay for specialist equipment, research and patient and family support that would otherwise not be there, making a real difference to patients and their families when they need it most. Through wanting to make it that little bit easier for others in the future who are going through the devastation of losing a child in birth, Adam is a real inspiration.β
The Midwives of 51ΑΤΖζ are also organising a Maternity Spring Ball at the Pavilions of 51ΑΤΖζ on Saturday 19 May. Tickets are just Β£55 per person. Why not get a group of friends together for a great night out and book a table? For more information, visit our website:
ENDS
Picture (L-R): David Fisher, Community and Events Fundraiser for 51ΑΤΖζ Hospital and Community Charity, with Adam Newton.
For further information please contact:
Jamie Wright, Communications and Marketing Assistant, HDFT
Email: [email protected]Β Tel. 01423 557732
51ΑΤΖζ Hospital & Community Charity
51ΑΤΖζ Hospital & Community Charity is the Charity for 51ΑΤΖζ District Hospital and Community Health Services. We raise funds to help do more for local patients and their families when they need it most. We fund specialist equipment, training and services over and above what the NHS provides. We raise funds for individual departments and services and the charity as a whole. To support 51ΑΤΖζ Hospital & Community Charity visit
Contact: David Fisher, Community and Events Fundraiser
Email: [email protected]Β Tel. 01423 555641
Registered charity 1050008