A MOTHER-OF-NINE fundraising for life-changing surgery for her two prematurely-born sons is over half way to reaching her target – but needs more support.
Eight of Beckie Haddock’s nine children were born early, but it was her two sons, Bobby, 11, and Ryan, six, who were most affected after being born two months premature.
The brothers have Cerebral Palsy and Periventricular Leukomalacia – a type of brain injury found commonly in premature babies. Their conditions mean they require constant care and are in need of expensive medical equipment and treatment costing up to £20,000.
Ryan needs surgery which will help with his condition and relieve his constant pain, while Bobby needs specialist equipment to help with similar problems.
Beckie, from Rugby, said the money will be life changing and dramatically improve their quality of life.
She said: “Both boys melt the hearts of everyone they meet and they just need a chance to be able to develop to their full potential and join in with family activities once again.”
Along with her husband, also called Bobby, the couple received support and advice from the Grace Research Fund – a charity based at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire researching premature births and neonatal care.
The hard-working mum and her team have already raised £13,000 through donations, sponsored runs, sponsored swims, mud runs, half-marathons and even the 2014 Rugby Zombiethon – which saw participants wear fancy dress and zombie make-up for a walk around Rugby.
Even Bobby and Ryan have joined in on the mammoth fundraising effort by completing, along with their brothers and sister, a mini military fitness mud run.
Beckie added: ““We are really proud to have raised so much already and are overwhelmed by the support we have received by family and friends – it has really inspired us and spurred us on to keep marching towards the target.”
Dr Andy Coe, paediatrician at Coventry and Warwickshire hospital said: “I greatly admire Beckie, Bobby and Ryan’s dedication – managing to raise such a significant amount of money is a great achievement and we wish them all the best in their effort to meet the target.
“The Grace Research Fund finances and supports research into improving the well-being of premature babies and their families in Coventry and Warwickshire, and it is stories such as Beckie’s family which are a poignant reminder of why the charity’s work is so important.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/bobbyandryan to donate.
