Archive: Apr 2016

From Whitehaven to the RVI Newcastle

 

Joel Schwarzer seems to have all of Whitehaven, Cumbria, behind him as he raises money for Tiny Lives, having raised the absolutely fantastic amount of £1,943.50 for the Tiny Lives Trust through a Boxing Match and most recently the mammoth task of walking from Whitehaven to the RVI, around 120 miles, 40 hours, four days and by roping in two friends for support!

Boxing
Thank you to everyone who has donated towards Joel’s fundraising, helping give the team the motivation to finish the walk.

The Special Care Baby Unit at the RVI, Newcastle, cares for premature or ill-newborn babies from across Cumbria and the North East, with Joel himself spending time on SCBU as a baby.

Walk (1)

Walk (2)

Walk (3)

Walk (6)

Walk

It was a hard journey and we’re glad to see all the lads arrive safe and sound at the RVI, even if a bit sore.

Walk (4)

SCBU

A huge well done to Joel, Karl and Stephen and we hope you’ve put your feet up for some well deserved rest and relaxation!

#TeamMarsden’s first birthday

at home

For the Marsden twins first birthday, how about a breastfeeding chair for one of the Neonatal Unit’s which cared for them as a present? Joshua and Darcy spent the first five months of their lives in hospitals around the region and in March 2016 they celebrated their first birthday together at home in Cumbria. Family and friends have raised money for the Tiny Lives Trust in their honour to purchase a reclining and breastfeeding chair for SCBU.

Feb 2016

Joshua and Darcy were born at 23 weeks in Teeside after mum Mandy was transferred from Cumbria during labour. Both Joshua and Darcy spent time at the Special Care Baby Unit at the RVI, Newcastle while they were cared for in those critical months.

IMG_3388J BirthdayTeam Marsden (3)D Birthday

As part of the Parents Consultation, families commented on the need for more comfortable seating and for more chance to sleep while visiting the Unit.

After discussing with staff on the unit and other staff within the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust we’ve found the perfect chairs for space, safety and parent’s comfort and will be introducing these to SCBU.

Fundraising from the twin’s first birthday celebrations will go towards purchasing one of these chairs. From ourselves and on behalf of future SCBU parents, thank you to everyone who donated for #TeamMarsden!

 

 

 

 

Our Patron Jonny Wilkinson

Jonny in his clothing range - Fineside2014_1513

I became a patron for Tiny Lives because I have been lucky enough to see the most hard working, dedicated and loving team doing what they do each and every day to save such precious little lives.  I also have a very good friend who has benefited from the skills, care and support of the staff on the Special Care Baby Unit.  I would encourage people across the region to fundraise for Tiny Lives to help families at a critical time in their lives because Tiny Lives provides incredible support to not only the staff and babies on the Special Care Baby Unit but also to the babies families. I can only stress what an incredible charity Tiny Lives is.  I am proud to be a ‘tiny’ part of it.

Jonny Wilkinson 2015

www.jonnywilkinson.com

Congratulations to Jonny on receiving his CBE

 

 

Good luck to Sister Claire Ellerby!

Nurse of the Year 2016 Finalist Claire Ellerby - The Team l-r: Danielle Bullock, Yve Collingwood, Emma Carmichael, Claire Ellerby, Sarah Williamson, AC Fenton, Anna Rawnsley

Nurse of the Year 2016 Finalist Claire Ellerby – The Team l-r: Danielle Bullock, Yve Collingwood, Emma Carmichael, Claire Ellerby, Sarah Williamson, AC Fenton, Anna Rawnsley

I’m sure all of the Tiny Lives family will join us in saying a massive good luck to Sister Claire Ellerby who has been short-listed for the Child Health Award at this year’s RCNi (that’s the Royal College of Nursing to you and me!) Nurse Awards 2016!

Claire has been put forward due to her hard work starting the Cuski Miniboo Incentive, with Ward 35 being the first neonatal unit to provide Miniboo’s to families.

After reading about the Cuski Miniboos, Claire told us at Tiny Lives and so together we launched a trail period. The benefit of the Miniboos soon became clear and Tiny Lives supporters now fund for 2 Miniboos for each admission; one for baby and one for parents.

The Miniboo is a comforter, created to bring comfort and security to babies by stimulating the baby’s awareness of mother/father’s unique scent, they also help reduce parental stress, encourage bonding and attachment and are used as an aid to breastfeeding.

They are made with premature babies in mind, from 100% bamboo rayon fibre that is absorbent, eco friendly and has anti-bacterial properties which allow them to be used in hospitals.

People have shared their experience of using the Cuski Miniboo on a facebook page here, where you can really see the impact they have on families.

…Or you can hear it from Claire herself in a video created by the Baby Friendly Initiative!

 

Thank you so much to Cuski for being such an amazing company to work with to bring the Miniboo to the Special Care Baby Unit!

 

Thank you for all your hard work, and good luck Sister Claire Ellerby!