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OUR STORY Last year we visited Harrogate Hospital more than we had ever anticipated, some for joyus events and some not. Our family and friends have been treated in many differnet wards of the hospital and looked after by it's amazing staff, from the oldest members to the newest member Finlay, who spent his first Christmas in Woodlands Ward. Rachel and Aidan would like to share more on their story...


RACHEL AND AIDAN STORY On the 6th of December our 2 week old baby Finlay was admitted to Woodlands Ward at Harrogate Hospital with Bronchiolitis and a bacterial chest infection. Although a fairly common winter illness in small children, we discovered that Finlay has a congenital heart defect which made his battle with the virus so much harder to fight. Due to his body working so hard to get oxygen in his system we couldn’t handle him, cuddle or feed him. Even nappy changes had to be done at the same time as blood tests, to cause the least disruption to him and to allow him to use all his energy to keep his organs working. He was moved to the high dependency room and put on the Vapour Therm machine, that uses pressurised air and oxygen to keep his lungs open. He stayed on the machine for nearly 3 weeks and was on  the critical list for 2 weeks. On Christmas Eve they managed to wean him off the oxygen and just had air keeping his lungs open. On Christmas Day we could feed and cuddle him and by the evening he was moved out of the high dependency room to a round of applause from the staff on duty. We had our baby home for New Year which was wonderful. Throughout the time we spent on the ward every member of staff we encountered was incredible not only in their professional roles, which saved our sons life, but also with my entire family. They ensured that we were all well informed and put at ease with every decision, they also made provision for our 2 year old daughter and our 12 year old son to have the best Christmas possible, she was encouraged to decorate his room with tinsel and baubles, Princess Anna paid her a visit and Father Christmas left her some presents in Finlay’s room. We can’t thank everyone enough for saving our sons life and want to give something back to the ward, we are raising funds for a new cardiac monitor which would help many other children in Finlay’s situation.

WHAT'S NEXT? We have decided that 2019 is our year to say Thank You, as with every visit to Harrogate Hospital the service, hospitality and professionalism was outstanding.  

Our plan is to raise £5,000 by taking part in multiple activites, hosting events and challening each member of our family. This funding will go towards providing the Woodlands Ward with a very much needed Cardiac Monitor.

EVENTS Some of these are already booked and ready to go, and some are still to be confirmed. As each event comes up we will update you with more details on training, the members taking part, plus photos and videos as proof. Feel free to come and support or even get involved!

WHAT ARE WE ASKING OF YOU? We would like your dosh! Any donation large or small will go to help this fantastic charity. However you would like to donate is up to you, lump sums or per event. Anything you can spare will be greatly appreciated.

April - Sheffield Half Marathon - Completed in 1:39:43

May - Yorkshire 3 Peaks - Completed in 10:47:00

May - Leeds Half Marathon - Completed in 1:43:49

June - Bed Race - Completed in 18th position (18/90)

June - It’s a knockout - Completed and finished 3rd overall

June - Total Warrior - Completed

July - Leeds 10k - Completed in 00:46:00

July - Yorkshire 3 Peaks Part 2 - Completed

August - York 10k - Completed in 00:45:01

August - Family Party Night - Completed 

August - Coast to Coast Bike Ride - Completed in 15 hours

August - Fundraising BBQ - Completed

September - Wetherby 10k - Completed in 44:06

September - Great North Run - Completed in 1:42:03

September - Yorkshire Warrior - Completed in 2:07 (6th!)

October - Coffee Morning - Completed and raised £430

October - Sky Dive - Completed

October - Dance Evening - Completed and raised £250






Thank you from:

Pete, Sue, Rachel, Aidan, Hannah, Marc, Mike, Charlie, Finlay and Freya. xxx