Premature babies inspire 100-mile charity cycle

TWO Kildress men have been inspired by their own experience with premature babies to gather up their friends for a 100-mile charity cycle.

Now fondly known as the ‘Kildress Oul Hans’, the group of friends led by Niall Quinn and Damian Kelly decided to take on the cycle – despite some of the guys never having been on a road bike until six weeks ago!

The fundraiser for premature birth charity TinyLife will take place on Saturday, July 3.

Niall said, “My son Jack made a surprise appearance nine-and-a-half weeks early, he weighed in at just 3lbs, 13oz in Craigavon Area Hospital.

“It was traumatic time for my wife Emma and I. Only minutes after his birth, our son was taken to the neonatal unit where he stayed for four weeks. Thanks to the amazing medical team that looked after all of his medical needs, Jack survived his neonatal ordeal and is now a happy, healthy 10-year-old boy.

“We were so thankful for the support we received at the time, the cycle is our way of giving back to Craigavon Neonatal Unit and TinyLife so that they can support other families facing a similar situation.”

Meanwhile, Damian said, “Niall roped me in as he knew my niece Nancy was born prematurely. My sister Louise had complications during her pregnancy and little Nancy arrived at just 34 weeks, a necessary intervention to save both my sister and her baby.

“Nancy was rushed immediately to the neonatal unit, she was there for just over six weeks, receiving excellent care from the doctors, nurses and auxiliaries.

“Louise and her husband Adam were able to bring baby Nancy home on her due date, the neonatal team became their extended family during a very worrying time for them all.

“Nancy is now a happy, healthy four-year-old, full of life and energy and she will be starting big school in September.

“TinyLife is a charity that supported both families during this difficult time, they provided medical equipment, premature baby clothes but, most importantly, their Family Support Officers offered support and advice. At times they were a shoulder to cry on. Their daily visits were a blessing and something that really helped at the time.”

If you would like to support Niall, Damian and the others in their fundraising efforts, please visit their donations page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jackandnancysfunraiser

Every day in Northern Ireland six babies are born too soon, some arriving as early as 24 weeks weighing as little as 1lb.