Our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit’s (NICU) challenge to cycle to Lapland from CRH before Christmas Eve is going 'wheely' well – and the miles are being clocked up by our colleagues as well as grateful families and others who have been supported on the unit.
Taking part is Dave Jowett. Dave is pictured second from left on the top row, with a picture of son Lucas third from left. Last week Dave wrote on Facebook:
"18 years ago, Lucas fought for every single breath. Today, I’m cycling one mile at a time because of the people who helped him survive.
When Lucas was born in 2007 at just 26 weeks, weighing 2lb 3oz, his world was measured in grams, oxygen levels and heart-rate alarms. Progress came in tiny increments — a few grams gained, a few hours without support. Every small step mattered and that’s what this challenge represents for me.
I committed to 230 miles by Christmas Eve — one mile for every gram of Lucas’s birth weight — to give something back to the Calderdale Neonatal Unit who cared for him around the clock for over three months and gave us the chance to watch him grow up.
I’m starting this morning’s ride on 163 miles completed. That’s around 125,000 pedal revolutions so far. Every mile I turn over now is a reminder of how far he’s come — and how vital that care is for families who are living that nightmare right now.
All donations go towards refurbishing the parent and family room on the neonatal ward — a small but essential space where mums and dads can step away from the wires, alarms and fear, even if just for a moment.
If you’ve been meaning to donate but haven’t yet, this is a gentle nudge.
If you’ve already donated — thank you so much — a share could help reach someone new.
Here is also a little incentive to get involved…
Thanks to the amazing support of Big Box Gym, anyone who donates will be entered into a random draw to win a 1-month gym pass, kindly donated to support this challenge.
Every mile counts. Every pound helps.
Thank you for supporting 
"
How to get involved:
As at yesterday, the team had just 772 miles left of the 2,160 to reach Lapland, and £3,105 to hit their target of £7,000.
To donate, please use the Just Giving link https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/cycletolapland... Or text LAPLAND to 70650 and the amount in pounds.
Pop along to the main entrance on Monday 22nd December and Wednesday 24th December between 11am and 1pm to lend a ‘foot’.
At other times the bike is stationed on the Neonatal Unit (please remember to gel your hands before entering).
Or share the miles you’ve cycled and get some sponsorship from others.
Read more on our Charity’s webpage: Neonatal Family Rooms - CHFT Charity