Supporters from local branches of utility and infrastructure companies, Cadent and Costain, have taken on 5k walk to raise funds for Lister Hospital’s neonatal unit.

The walk, which started from the plaza at Lister Hospital, was organised by team member, Keely King.

Keely said: “Myself and two other colleagues have had babies cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit at Lister. It is such a worrying time, and we all wanted to do something to thank the team for looking after us and our babies so well.

“My daughter, Malia, was born ten weeks premature by emergency C-section, weighing just 3lb. She received round the clock care and needed CPR, multiple blood transfusions, infection treatment for sepsis, oxygen support and jaundice treatment. She spent her first seven weeks of life in neonatal intensive care unit at Lister Hospital.

“We want to thank the amazing neonatal team who made all our hard first chapters as easy as possible with their kind support and guidance. We will be forever grateful.”

Laura Kelly, matron for neonatal services, said: “We are so grateful to Keely and her colleagues for organising this walk to raise funds for our unit. The neonatal team work hard to give the very best care so it means a lot to receive thanks like this.

“Keely and her colleagues have already raised £5,550 which is incredible and will allow us to purchase a new multi-birth cot so that newborn twins or triplets can stay together to help them bond. It can also help regulate their body temperatures, sleep cycles and soothe each other. And it benefits parents as they learn how to safely position their babies.

“Thank you so much to everyone involved for making things that bit better for our newborn babies.”

Read more on the three stories that inspired the walk at: www.justgiving.com/page/keely-king-1721892005919