More than £55k raised by charity New Life’s Sportathon, held at David Lloyd Newbury, to fund neo-natal ventilators at Royal Berkshire Hospital and Great Western Hospital
More than £55,000 has been raised to buy life-saving specialist neo-natal ventilators, after a 24-hour sporting marathon in Newbury.
The New Life annual Sportathon smashed its target, making it the charity’s biggest ever fundraising event.
It was held at David Lloyd Newbury on Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14 and included a 24-hour tennis match, a swim/spin triathlon and a 100 mile cycle on a spin bike.
Around 2,000 people attended the event, where there was also a games arcade, face painting and a Partyathon on Saturday evening, which took on a Vegas theme this year with showgirls, live music by the local Adam Winslett Band, food, drink and an auction.
The auction, which was hosted by BBC commentator Mark Durden-Smith, raised £15,000 on the night.
New Life CEO Trevor Goodall said he was “totally overwhelmed” by the success of the weekend.
“A huge thank you to the participants, local businesses and businesspeople and volunteers and, of course, the staff at David Lloyd Newbury,” he added.
BBC reporter, Mike Bushell and GB triathlete Neil Collins also joined in the fun, while tennis star, Barry Cowan, took part in an exhibition match with David Lloyd tennis coaches on the Sunday.
The tennis match – which featured Ryan, whose son Che was born at just 29 weeks in Basingstoke – was eventually won by Roxy Cox and her team.
“Our son received such incredible care from amazing, dedicated doctors and nurses,” Ryan said. “He also benefited from access to life-saving equipment like ventilators, CPAP machines, temperature-controlled incubators, a hot cot and a breast pump.
“These are all pieces of equipment that New Life has funded for hospitals in the UK.
“We know how important it is for every hospital to have this equipment to provide premature and very sick babies with the best chance of survival, so we are delighted to be involved in fundraising for such an important cause.”
The core project focus this year was to fund four specialist ventilators for the SCBU at The Great Western Hospital, Swindon and The Royal Berkshire Hospital, in Reading. The additional money raised will now go to fund more ventilators as well as other specialist equipment.
Neonatal consultant at the Great Western Hospital, Sarah Bates said: “The new equipment will provide vital support for babies who need extra help with their breathing when they are born. Babies who are born early often need extra gentle help with their breathing as they grow strong enough to breathe by themselves.
“The neo-natal team at GWH are hugely grateful to New Life for all their support for many years and for the help to purchase this fantastic new equipment. You're all lifesavers!”
New Life was set up by Mr Goodall following the death of his premature twin boys Joshua and Samuel in 1995.
The charity raises money for specialist medical equipment that increases the chances of survival for many premature and seriously ill babies and has raised more £1million since it was created.
