...for regional neonatal unit
Holstein Northern Ireland has
presented a cheque for £34,000 to the Perinatal Trust Fund at the Royal
Victoria Hospital’s regional Neonatal Unit in Belfast.
The money was
raised at the club’s second annual open day and stockjudging event hosted
earlier this year by the Smyth family’s Ballyweaney Herd at Cloughmills.
Consultant neonatologist Dr Richard Tubman,
treasurer of the Perinatal Trust Fund said: “This is a fantastic amount of
money, and one of the biggest donations we have received in the charity’s
30-year history.
“We don’t get funding from the NHS. The
Perinatal Trust fund facilitates the purchase of vital medical equipment and
staff training, and relies solely on the public’s support and voluntary
donations.
“This phenomenal cheque will go a long way
towards purchasing specialist equipment such as incubators and ventilators for
the neonatal unit.”
Based at the Royal Maternity Hospital in
Belfast, the regional neonatal unit has 24 cots and is one of the largest
specialist baby units in the UK. The state-of-the-art intensive care facility
treats premature and sick babies from throughout Northern Ireland, and its
medical professionals are responsible for more than 500 admissions annually.
Holstein NI chairman Tommy Henry said: “This
year’s open day far exceeded our initial expectations, and on behalf of the
club, it gives me great pleasure to present this cheque to the Perinatal Trust
Fund.
“I’d like to thank the Smyth family,
Mervyn, May, Gareth and Judith, their friends, club members and everyone who
worked tirelessly behind the scenes to contribute to the success of the open
day. Thanks also to our sponsors Ecosyl from Volac and Lacpatrick.”
Open Day hosts Gareth and Judith Smyth are
the proud parents of twin sons Wallace and Austin. Born almost 16 weeks
premature, the boys spent the first few months of their lives in intensive care
incubators at the regional neonatal unit.
“Wallace and Austin were born on New Years
Day 2016 weighing 1lb 10ozs and 1lb 8ozs. It was a difficult and emotional
journey for the whole family, but thanks to the excellent facilities and
specialist care provided by the medical team, they are miracle babies,” said
Gareth.
“The open day was a huge success, and we
have been overwhelmed by the generosity and support for the Perinatal Trust
Fund – a charity very close to our hearts! A sincere thank you to everyone who
donated items for the charity auction and raffle, sent donations and attended
the open day.”