On the 18th June 2014 our gorgeous twin girls, Maddison Rose and Olivia Hope, arrived into the world 11 weeks earlier than expected at 23:28 and 23:30 via C-section.  Maddison was rushed straight to the NICU, weighing just 2lbs 5oz.  Our other precious girl Olivia passed away in my arms very soon after birth.   

After a few hours Yas and I made our first, of many, visits to the NICU to meet Maddison for the first time, she was the smallest baby I have ever seen and looked so fragile.   The incubator she was in had 4 small portcullis holes to allow us to change nappies, do her cares and comfort her when she became distressed.    

Maddison was connected to a machine to stop her lungs from collapsing and help her breath.  It is called a CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure) and resulted in two prongs being placed inside her nose to pump air.  This drove Maddison mad as it was really uncomfortable. 

We made the journey to the NICU each day to see our precious Maddison in the hope she would grow strong enough to come home so we could start being a family. After 11 long weeks that dream became a reality.

Over the course of the 11 weeks each and every doctor and nurse became a part of our family. Always offering a friendly smile and re-assuring words.  Without their help and support I hate to think what the outcome could have been.  There will never be enough words to thank them so I have decided to raise money,  with your support, to provide another vital piece of equipment to help babies recover.

In January I turned 40, had to believe I know, and have set myself a target of challenging myself to raise 5,000 to purchase a Vapotherm as a token of thanks to the doctors and nurses who kept Maddison alive. From the 29th March I will take over as Captain of Stockwood Park Golf Club and each year the captain chooses a charity for the club to raise money for.  I have  chosen the NICU.  At this point I would like to mention my vice-captain Gordon Gibson who's grandson Sean spent some time at the NICU and GOSH.  Together we have decide to raise 5,000 for the Vapotherm and then change charities to raise money for GOSH.

Events to Raise Money:

£885.11 - From the members and families of Stockwood Park Golf CLub for the sale of raffle tickets and NICU Badges.  :) :)

3 Months of no hair cut - Our Son Leyton is also doing this

July 5th - Captains Day @ Stockwood Park Golf Club

July 10th - 3 Peaks in 24 Hours with my great mates Steve, Mick & Alex (plus a few others)

July 18th - NICU Golf Day @ Stockwood Park (4 ball team event)

I will be updating this list as the year goes on.  

Every year the NICU treats over 900 premature and critically ill babies and without their amazing work more parents would have to suffer the heartache of losing a child.

Please, Please, Please help me in achieving the target amount. I have been very fortunate throughout my life to have amazing friends and I know with all of your support it is achievable.  

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