North-east newborns are going the distance for Friends Of The Neonatal Unit
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A group of 30 new mums have teamed up to raise funds for Aberdeen Neonatal Unit, and have already raised over £3,700.
New and expecting parents have been heavily affected by lockdown restrictions, from not being allowed a partner at scans to the cancellation of social groups.
Some mums decided to set up a virtual support group for lockdown mums and members now span the entire north-east.
A year on from the first restrictions, the mums have launched a fundraiser to give something back to the unit which supported some of the babies.
The idea was initiated by Brontey Angus, of Fraserburgh, who's son Miles was born nine weeks early weighing 4lbs 3oz.
She says that the stress of being first time parents was heightened by having a baby in the neonatal unit, and then was further exacerbated by the uncertainty of lockdown life.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the Rainbow Walk fundraiser, Brontey said: "As first time parents and in lockdown we were so unsure about what happens with a premature baby.
"It’s so daunting; the machines and wires and nurses and doctors in and out.
"We were there a month, which is short in some cases, and whilst there we found out that a lot of the equipment used for babies and parents' comfort are donated and not NHS funded.
"I was shocked.
"Every morning we got a photo and a message 'from Miles' that came from an iPad, and these were donated by a charity donor!"
Throughout the month of March the mums have pledged to walk 160 miles each - that represents how far apart they are, and is a metaphor for their babies meeting up.
They've agreed that the distance - which works out at 5.16 miles each day - should be done in addition to usual daily steps.
The parents' set up a fundraising page and have, at the time of publishing, raised £3,780.
Continuing Brontey said: " It is the very least we can do for the neonatal unit - they are amazing in everything they do.
"They keep you at ease, they look after your baby when you need to sleep, they teach you how to tube feed and change your tiny baby through an incubator.
"It's a small thank you for everything they do."
Anybody wishing to donate can do so by visiting: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rainbow-walk2021
