A 254-mile cycling fundraiser is set to support the families of newborns in neonatal care.<\/p>\n
Nurse Sam will ride the full length of the Leeds\u2013Liverpool Canal twice in 24 hours, starting in Leeds and ending in Liverpool on June 25, and making the return journey the following day.<\/p>\n
The challenge aims to raise \u00a31,270 in support of the \u2018Home from Home\u2019 appeal, a \u00a33 million campaign to build new family accommodation next to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Bradford Royal Infirmary.<\/p>\n
Sam said: “With a background in neonatal nursing, I have seen firsthand the challenges families face when their newborns require intensive care.”<\/p>\n
The \u2018Home from Home\u2019 appeal is led by Bradford Hospitals Charity in partnership with The Sick Children\u2019s Trust.<\/p>\n
Funds will provide five additional en-suite bedrooms, along with upgraded communal living and kitchen spaces, a garden, and a play area for siblings.<\/p>\n
Sam said: “Being close to their baby is vital, both emotionally and for the baby\u2019s development.<\/p>\n
“This project will provide families with a free, comfortable place to stay nearby, allowing them to remain close during critical periods.”<\/p>\n
Supporters are encouraged to join the final segments of the return ride on June 26, with options to cycle the last five, ten, 15, 20, or 30 miles into Leeds.<\/p>\n
Sam has completed other charity challenges over the past two years, but describes this as his “biggest challenge to date”.<\/p>\n
Other ways to help include donating, sharing the campaign, or offering encouragement to the rider.<\/p>\n
Sam said: “These improvements aim to reduce stress for families, keep them together, and improve outcomes for babies.”<\/p>\n