Parents take part in parachute jump in aid of special baby care unit (From Gazette & Herald)

Parents take part in parachute jump in aid of special baby care unit at Scarborough Hospital

11:14am Wednesday 30th May 2012 in News

A COUPLE whose twins were born six weeks early are preparing to jump out of a plane to raise money for the special care baby unit which cared for them.

Over the last two years, Mark and Kirstie Norton, from Pickering, have raised more than £4,000 for the unit at Scarborough Hospital where their twins were born prematurely in 2009.

Ciara weighted just 4lbs 11oz, while Samuel, who was 4lb 13oz, required resuscitation in theatre after he was born with a blocked windpipe. The twins spent two weeks in the unit with Mark and Kirstie staying in the parent accommodation provided by the hospital.

Since then the family has raised funds for the unit through yearly charity music nights featuring local bands, including Mark’s band, Rocketsmith.

However, this summer, to celebrate the twins’ third birthday, Mark and Kirstie will be taking a 10,000ft drop from the skies above Bridlington next Saturday, June 9.

Mark said: “The Scarborough special care baby unit is currently trying to raise £80,000 to improve the facilities so that more parents can stay in the hospital with their babies who are admitted to the unit.

“The space is currently extremely limited which is why we were so lucky to get a place to stay for two weeks.

“The staff were fantastic while we were there and we are delighted to be able to give them something back for helping our children.”

Anyone who would like to sponsor the couple can do so online at http://www.justgiving.com/scarboroughSCBU

Alternatively, you can donate money at Life Photography, Thornton Road Business Park, Eastgate Fisheries, The Sun, The Station and The Rose, all in Pickering.

Meanwhile, a charity event in aid of York special care baby unit is being held at the Hyde Park pub in Norton this weekend.

There will be a quiz on Friday at 7pm, followed by singer Nik Martin.

Live bands will be appearing on both Saturday and Sunday evenings with entertainment for children during the day.

On Monday a family disco will take place from 1pm, followed by an adult disco from 8pm, with prizes for the best fancy dress at both.

Over the weekend theere will also be darts and pool knockouts and speedpool with prizes, along with a tombola.

Anyone who would like to donate prizes can leave them at the Hyde Park in Mill Street or phone 01653 690274.