Postman Pat runs for the Friends

Postman Pat will be running in Hyde Park on Sunday 3rd September to raise cash for the Friends!

Pat, with the help of Anya Hollis, will attempt the 5 Kilometres of the Hydroactive Women's Challenge, and hopes to raise £5000 for new monitors for the Intensive Care Nurseries. You can sponsor Anya online - do dig deep.

Anya, of Egham in Surrey, said that the Neonatal Unit at St George's Hospital in Tooting has a very special place in her heart, and she hopes to raise funds to give sick babies the best possible chances.

The Unit cares for around 500 babies each year. Some are looked after for a few days, some will remain on the Unit for many months until they are well enough to go home. Babies will be treated on the Unit for a variety of reasons; some are born many months prematurely, some are born full term but require immediate treatment for an infection, a health condition or breathing problems.

The Friends have around 30 runners attempting the race. You can see who's been brave enough and pledge your support here.

Read about the whole team in the Wandsworth Guardian.

Equipment news

We're hugely excited to tell you that we have secured funds for 12 new monitors for the neonatal intensive care cots on the unit. Thanks to our fabulous supporters, the charity is funding six of the 12 monitors. The remaining six will be bought thanks to support from the St George's Hospital Trust.

Monitors in neonatal intensive care are used to keep a close eye on a baby's vital signs, including their heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels.

Upcoming events

Calling all boy (and girl!) racers. If you think you could have been the next Michael Schumacher but nobody spotted your talent, then we've got the event for you.

The fabulous people at Daytona Racing in Esher are hosting a fundraiser for us on October 6th. Teams of between 2 - 6 drivers can practice and then take part in a 2 hour race on their Grand Prix circuit in twin-engined prokarts. The cost is £300 per team and all proceeds go direct to the charity.

The date of the event is Friday 6th October from 5.00p.m. - 10.00p.m. There will be a cash barbeque available on the night and it promises to be a great event.

For more information and to register your team, please email us at sarahfcollins@btinternet.com