This weekend, a determined team of eight hospital staff and friends will be taking part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge for WISHH.
On Saturday 13th September, the team will embark on a 24-miles, 12-hour trek through the breath-taking scenery of the Yorkshire Dales. Setting out from Horton-in-Ribblesdale at dawn, the challenge will see them summit the mighty Pen-y-ghent, climb past the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct to conquer Whernside, and finish with a short scramble up Ingleborough before returning triumphantly to Horton-in-Ribblesdale to receive their medals.
The walkers include staff from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Early Pregnancy Unit, and Vascular Screening, alongside friends and dedicated supporters of the WISHH Charity. Together, they are raising funds for NICU’s NeoFriends a support group for families with babies who have spent time in neonatal care, or Transitional Care Unit, and the Baby Loss Appeal, which enhances facilities for families facing the heartbreak of pregnancy loss.
Walking for NeoFriends
Neonatal Outreach Nurse, Sarah Sharp is tackling the challenge for the third time alongside her partner Rob. Sarah said:
“Rob and I are raising funds for NeoFriends, which provides support, play equipment, and an annual Christmas party for families whose babies are NICU graduates who started life in neonatal or transitional care. The party is always magical, filled with joy and community, and Rob even takes on the role of Santa! As a nurse, I see first-hand how vital this support is to families, and I’m proud to complete this walk again as part of our ‘2025 miles for NeoFriends’ year-long challenge, walking 5 million footsteps!”
www.justgiving.com/page/sarah-sharp-1730490923507
Walking for the Baby Loss Appeal
Six walkers are raising funds specifically for the WISHH Charity’s Baby Loss Appeal, to enhance and soundproof the bereavement suite, renovate six quite rooms and improve the entrance and exit to the Early Pregnancy Unit; to reduce the number of encounters families have with other expectant parents and newborn babies.
Staff Nurse Jess Harris, who works in the Early Pregnancy Unit shared: “I have been honoured enough to have had this post for the last 12 years. I adore my role and the patients and the families I care for. In the last year I was lucky enough to take on the bereavement link nurse role alongside one of my colleagues. As part of this role, I have undertaken more training and learning with regards to the gold standards of bereavement care and this includes the facilities that we should offer to all of our families. When the opportunity came along to support the WISHH Baby Loss Appeal through this event I jumped at the chance.
This cause is so close to my heart. Caring for and supporting families experiencing the trauma of pregnancy loss I am able to see directly that these improvements will optimise the care that they receive during one of the worst times in their lives. For a lot of families the result of this appeal will make their experience a little more bearable and help create precious memories at such a devastating time, and in turn, these enhanced facilities I hope will help with their recovery.”
www.justgiving.com/page/jess-harris-3
Roxanne Hyam said, “I have witnessed first-hand the depth of grief experienced by families facing baby loss. Baby loss is a tragedy that no parent should ever have to endure, yet heartbreakingly, it affects so many. In the midst of their grief, families need compassion, care, and specialist support, and that’s exactly what the maternity bereavement services provide. They offer a safe space, a listening ear, and guidance through one of the most difficult times imaginable.
By taking on this this Yorkshire Three Peak Challenge, I hope to raise both awareness and funds to help improve and expand these crucial facilities. Whether it’s a private room to say goodbye, or simply a quiet space to grieve, these touches make a real difference in helping families find some comfort in the midst of loss.”
www.justgiving.com/page/roxanne-hyam-1
Meanwhile, Anthony Rawson, soon to become a Lecturer at the University of Leeds after four years as a Sonographer at Hull Women’s and Children’s Hospital said: “As I move to my new role, I wanted to give something back by raising funds for the Baby Loss Appeal. As a leaving gift, I am kindly asking friends, colleagues and supporters to donate to raise vital funds for the WISHH Baby Loss Appeal.
The maternity bereavement team’s support to families who have experienced the loss of a baby and my role in diagnosing and delivering the devastating news no parent wishes to hear is invaluable and incredible. I am grateful and proud to have been part of such a special service and team.”
www.justgiving.com/page/anthony-rawson-1
How to support
To support the WISHH Yorkshire Three Peaks Team, visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/wishhpeaks25 you can choose to support the team as a whole or direct funds to NeoFriends or the Baby Loss Appeal and we will do the rest!
Join next year
If you’re interested in becoming involved next year, register your interest by emailing us at hyp-tr.hellowishh@nhs.net
For more events, visit www.wishhcharity.org.uk/get-involved/events
Team members include Sarah Sharp, Rob Clubley, Jess Harris, Roxanne Hyam and Anthony Rawson. The team will be joined by fellow walkers Steve, Tim and Will who are also supporting the Baby Loss Appeal.