The Forever Friends Appeal has received £450 from a family in Frome, which will be used towards funding a piece of life-saving equipment for the Royal United Hospitals Bath’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
The money was donated in memory of Richard Newman, who died in October last year.
Richard’s daughter, Michelle Hartland said, “We’d like to thank everyone who donated at dad’s funeral. Mum and I were pleased to give this amount to the RUH’s charity as it will be used towards funding a specialist piece of medical equipment.
“Nine years ago, my daughter was born at 27 weeks, weighing just 1.26kg and was in NICU for seven weeks. She was a fighter from the start – I soon learnt to trust the dedicated nurses who not only cared for Daisy – but also cared about us parents too.
“Mum and dad made the journey from Frome every day and mum stayed all day when I needed her. Dad came onto the ward once, as he couldn’t cope with seeing Daisy so small, but he waited in the relatives’ room on the ward. They were always telling people about their little miracle granddaughter.
“Dad was just 73 years old when he passed away at the RUH. He was a fun-loving family man and he worked hard to provide for us all. He had been looking forward to his golden wedding anniversary and instead of receiving presents, mum and dad asked family and friends to make a donation for NICU as they wanted to give something back to the RUH for giving us Daisy.
“Sadly dad didn’t make it to celebrate their anniversary, but mum wanted to follow his wishes and asked for donations at his funeral, where every seat was filled. Mum was pleased she could come and give the donation in person with Daisy and they presented the cheque to the two nurses who had cared for Daisy. I know dad would be so pleased we were able to do this.
“We will never forget our time in NICU, the wonderful people who work there and how much dedication, empathy and care they provide.”
Jan Witt, In Memory and legacy officer, The Forever Friends Appeal said, “We are extremely grateful for the generous donation collected in tribute to Mr Newman by his family and friends.
“Gifts donated in memory of loved ones go towards helping fund and purchase additional medical equipment, research and innovations, as well as finishing touches and ‘extras’ that complement the existing high quality care for patients at the RUH.
“I would personally like to forward my gratitude to Michelle and her mum, Marlene for choosing to support us in this very poignant and special way.”
If you are would like any information about making a gift in loving memory, setting up a Tribute fund in a loved one’s honour or would like to chat in confidence about leaving a gift in your Will to the RUH to help care for future generations, please contact Jan Witt, In Memory & Legacy Officer on 01225 825819 or email jan.witt@nhs.net or visit foreverfriendsapp
