Arctic challenge in aid of special care baby unit

Jacqui and Chris Newell faced one of the most gruelling challenges of their lives and raised an incredible £11,148 for the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Wexham Park Hospital in memory of Jessica and Ashley, their twin daughters who died following their premature birth in August 2010.

The couple who have run a variety of fundraising events, including BBQs and poetry and musical evenings to raise money for the SCBU, completed their epic challenge of crossing the Arctic from Norway to Sweden earlier this year. They set off on April 17 and covered an amazing 250km in six days on sleds being pulled by huskies.

Chris and Jacqui visited the unit at the end of August to present staff with the money they have raised over the past year.

Following the presentation of the cheque Chris said, “The journey was surprisingly hard work, with long days and temperatures that dropped as low as – 25 degrees celsius at night but it was a memorable experience. We are very grateful for the support everyone has shown and are delighted that we are able to give a little something back to the unit as a token of our appreciation for the care and help they gave us. Jay and I were so inspired by the nurses, doctors and consultants and we hope our donation will go towards helping others who need looking after by this very special unit. The work they do is truly amazing.”

Denia Alexopoulou, Consultant Paediatrician who received the cheque said, “On behalf of the whole neonatal team I would like to sincerely thank Chris and Jacqui for their determination and focus on raising this incredible amount. It was lovely for us to see them again and hear about their trip first hand after following their journey on Facebook and through Chris’ blog. Donations such as this make all the difference to the unit and we use them to purchase both small and large pieces of additional equipment to enhance the quality of care and comfort we give to the babies and their parents.”

If you would like to donate money to this very worthy cause please visit: http://www.justgiving.com/Jacqueline-Newell

For more information on Chris and Jacqui’s journey see their blog at: http://chris-newell.blogspot.com/