About Leo's:

Leo's is a parent-led charity with extensive first-hand knowledge and experience of neonatal care, neonatal bereavement and paediatric care.  Their board of trustees combines neonatal parents with NHS professionals and lay members to ensure that they offer well-rounded provisions for families.  They offer an array of support for neonatal mental health and neonatal child development including counselling, peer support, EMDR, occupational therapy, neonatal yoga, baby massage, attachment, swimming, messy play, sensory play sessions and more.

2020 saw the launch of the Nurture Centre project, which aims to raise vital funds for a dedicated centre designed to support neonatal families with their mental health, wellbeing, reduce isolation and support child development. This centre will be the first of its kind in the UK.

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My story:

I first became aware of Leo's after we left the NICU, and we attended a neonatal playgroup that they'd organised. This was so important for me in the early days, allowing me to meet other parents who had been through the same things that we had. 

Leo's also stepped in and supported us throughout lockdown with my mental health, and with access to support for Brandon's development

Now, I'd like to do something to give back to Leo's, and help them to support other families like us. I'm intending to embark on a series of challenges throughout 2020 and 2021, and hope to raise £1500, which will support other families like us during their neonatal stay and beyond.

Some of my plans include various hikes, climbing the Yorkshire 3 peaks, Veganuary, Sky diving and completing the Via Ferrata extreme as well other challenges throughout the year. 

PLEASE NOTE - all of my challenges (including skydiving and via ferrata) are self funded, so 100% of any donations will go to Leo's charity

Challenges:

1. September 5th 2020 - Climbing Catbells - DONE

2. October 10th 2020 - Hadrian's Wall part 1, hike Cawfields Quarry to Chollerford - DONE

3. January 2021 - Veganuary - DONE

4. January 2021 - Walk or run 50 miles during January - DONE

5. January 10th 2021 - Flash Challenge 5 burpees for each £1 donated in 48 hours = 575 Burpees - DONE

6. April 3rd 2021 - climb Fairfield - DONE

7. April 24th 2021 - hike Saltburn to Whitby on the Cleveland Way - DONE

8. May 1st 2021 - Yorkshire 3 peaks - 2 completed before dropping out due to injury, 3rd DONE on June 19th

9. May 15th 2021 - Skydive with Skyhigh skydiving - DONE

10. June 5th/6th 2021 - 5 sit ups for every £1 donated within a weekend - 125 sit ups DONE

11. June 12th 2021 - Honister Via Ferrata extreme - DONE

12. June 19th 2021 - Climb Whernside, to complete Yorkshire 3 peaks - DONE