Proud parents of premature twins reach their fundraising target

Victoria and Darren Chapman-Smith experienced firsthand the work of Grimsby hospital’s neonatal unit when their babies were born nine weeks premature.

Born weighing just 4lb 6oz each, George and Isabella-Rose were just the size of Darren’s hand when they arrived on 22nd August 2016.

Victoria said: “I had suffered two miscarriages previously, so the twins were our little miracles. Seeing them day by day getting stronger and bigger was such a relief and it is thanks to the wonderful staff on the unit that the twins are here today.”

As a way of saying thank you, they organised a ball at Kenwick Park Hotel, Louth where more than 100 people turned out to party and helped raise £5,000 for the Health Tree Foundation. This is the official charity for Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust.

Music was provided the by the Moggies, magician Tom Wright dazzled the guests with his tricks and there was an auction.

Victoria said: “It was fantastic. We had an auction which raised more than £1,300, and we did a game where people bought a box of sweets for £15. The prize was a week in a villa in Tenerife. The winner was the person who had the black sweet in their box. It went down really well.

“I want to thank everyone who attended and all of the local businesses who donated prizes for the raffle. I now understand why people organise charity events, you get such a buzz and I am already planning my next one.”

Lauren Alexander, community champion for the Health Tree Foundation, said: “It’s been a great honour to have been part of Victoria’s first fundraising event. She’s done an incredible job. How she has organised the ball, gone to work and looked after her twins and other little girl I do not know. She is an inspiration and we cannot thank her enough for raising funds for the neonatal unit.”

If you would like to organise your own event in aid of a department or ward at Grimsby hospital please get in touch with Lauren Alexander on 03033 304514 or email her: lauren.alexander@nhs.net