Pair to run in nappies for neonatal appeal

Architects Chris Snowden and Lee Stansfield will tackle the Bradford 10K wearing just nappies to raise money for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity.

The brave duo will bare almost all in aid of the charity’s Neonatal Unit fund, which is currently raising money to create more family accommodation and facilities.

Bowman Riley, where Chris and Lee work as architectural technologists, has chosen to raise money for the Bradford Neonatal Unit for two years.

The award-winning neonatal unit, which is based at Bradford Royal Infirmary, is very close to the hearts of Bowman Riley staff. Mark Hayton, architectural technologist at Bowman Riley, experienced first-hand the “absolutely amazing support and care” staff on the unit provided last year. He said: “My son, Jack James, was born last year with a rare genetic condition (myotonic dystrophy) and spent nine days within the care of the BRI Neonatal Department until such point he could no longer continue and passed away. The choice of Bradford Neonatal becoming our charity partner was a simple one, as we wish to give back for the absolutely amazing support and care we received during Jack’s stay at BRI.”

Mark’s colleagues, Chris and Lee, are not only preparing to run the 10K, but also do battle with the Bradford elements.
Chris said: “Not only does the Neonatal Unit treat and care for premature and critically ill babies, but they also provide much needed support to the families, through what is a very difficult time. The neonatal unit is very close to the people of Bowman Riley.”
Commenting on the plan to run in nappies, Chris said: “The recent wet weather is very worrying. The adult nappies feel very absorbent and the February warm spell seems to have come to an abrupt end!”
The Bradford 10K will take place on Sunday 17 March, starting and finishing in City Park.
If you would like to sponsor Chris and Lee, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bradford-neonatal
Neonatal Sister Tracey Barstow said: “We can’t thank Chris and Lee enough. The money they raise will be a great help to all the babies and families on our unit. We wish them the best of luck!”
Hayley Collis, head of fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, said: “Bradford Neonatal Unit provides world class treatment and care, but staff always strive to provide more for their babies and families. We are incredibly grateful to staff at Bowman Riley for selecting Bradford Hospitals’ Charity as their chosen charity, so they can help staff from the neonatal unit achieve their dream of providing more accommodation for parents.”
Bradford’s Neonatal Unit cares for more than 500 premature and sick babies every year. Last year, it became the first intensive care unit (level three) in the UK to achieve the Baby Friendly Initiative accreditation, set up by the children’s charity Unicef and the World Health Organisation.

To find out more about why Bradford Neonatal Unit is fundraising, view their video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCEyyEL64yY&t=8s