23rd October 2008

Over £6,400 has been raised through a charity golf day at The Millbrook Golf Club, for the Little Lives Appeal to support the Neonatal Unit at Milton Keynes Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

The charity day was organised by Club Captain Ken Mossford, whose grandson was treated by staff in the Neonatal Unit at Milton Keynes Hospital. Liam, who is now five years old, was one of the one in ten babies who require specialist care when born.

Ken Mossford, from Cranfield, said: "When my grandson, Liam Mossford, was treated in the Neonatal Unit a few years ago I was in awe of the care and treatment that the staff at Milton Keynes Hospital were able to deliver. By raising over £6,400 I've been able to say a very special thanks."

Liam was born in May 2003 weighing only 3lbs and 10oz.

The Little Lives Appeal aims to raise £250,000 for the Neonatal Unit, which will go towards a full refurbishment and redesign of the Unit. Thanks to the generosity of local companies, clubs and people, over £38,650 has now been raised for the appeal.

Glenda Deacon, Neonatal Unit Manager at Milton Keynes Hospital, said: "We are very grateful for the generous donation and the support given by The Millbrook Golf Club."

"The demand for our specialist services is growing. Due to an increase in the birth rate and advances in neonatal care, we need more cots to ensure we can treat more babies and save even more precious lives. The hospital plans to undertake a full refurbishment to enable us to increase capacity to 22 cots, and allow equipment to be upgraded."

The Trust cares for over 350 premature, small or ill babies a year with some born as early as 24 weeks old (16 weeks early) and weighing as little as 500 grams.

Vital equipment and an appropriate environment are needed to provide the most sophisticated care to these special patients.