Bank worker John Wilson has presented a cheque for £1,301.10 to the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Noble’s Hospital, after completing the Great North Run this year.

John’s son Harry, now over two years old, was born prematurely at 33 weeks in September 2010 and weighed in at just 4 lbs 13ozs.  Thanks to the expertise of SCBU staff, Harry is now a healthy child and his grateful father set about showing his gratitude in a tangible way.

John a Risk Manager in Compliance for Isle of Man Bank commented, “After seeing the care Harry received during his stay in the Special Care Unit and knowing the cost of the equipment required to run the unit, I wanted to give something back so decided I would train to do the Great North Run which is a half marathon from Newcastle to South Shields (13.1 miles). After eight months hard training, I completed the run on 16th September 2012 in a time of 1 hour 43 minutes and raised a total of £1,301.10 for SCBU, the amount includes £250 from RBS Group’s cashback scheme which supports staff who fundraise and volunteer in the community.”    

“Looking at Harry today, I cannot thank unit manager Paul McCann and his fantastic team enough for the incredible job they did then, and are continuing to do. The comfort they give to the worried parents and family of a premature baby is outstanding.”

John, wife Ellie and Harry went along to the Baby Unit to present a cheque to Paul McCann.  The Neo-natal Unit manager added, “A big thank you to John for his fantastic fundraising efforts, the money will now mean we can order a new piece of cooling equipment used for sick new born babies.”

Photo caption - John Wilson (left) pictured with wife Ellie, son Harry holding John’s half marathon medal and Neo-natal Unit manager Paul McCann.