A MOTHER-of-nine has passed the halfway mark of her £20,000 target to raise funds for life-changing surgery for her two prematurely-born sons.
Eight of Beckie Haddock’s nine children were born prematurely, however it was her two sons – Bobby, aged 11, and Ryan, aged 6, who were most affected after being born two months early.
Both brothers have bilateral periventricular leukomelacia and cerebral palsy meaning they require constant care and are in need of expensive medical equipment and treatment up to the cost of £20,000.
Now, Ryan is much closer to undergoing surgery – which will ease his body’s movement – after the charitable fundraising of Beckie’s family and friends has raised £13,000 of the total target.
Fundraising activities have seen Beckie’s husband, also named Bobby, take on sponsored runs, swims and a Zombiethon – which saw participants wear fancy dress and zombie make-up for a walk around the town of Rugby.
Beckie and her mother-in-law have also organised various events – including a presentation evening about the history of Abingdon Park which attracted 100 guests and contributed £500 to the target.
Beckie, who has received support and advice from neonatal charity the Grace Research Fund, said: “The funds will provide them with treatment and equipment which will be life-changing and dramatically improve their quality of life.
“Both boys melt the hearts of everyone they meet and just need a chance to be able to develop to their full potential and join in with family activities once again.
“We are really proud to have raised so much already and are overwhelmed by the support we have received by family and friends – it has really inspired us and spurred us on to keep marching towards the target.”
The Grace Research Fund supports many families and babies across Coventry and Warwickshire through funding research into premature births.
Dr Andy Coe, consultant paediatrician at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, said: “I greatly admire Beckie, Bobby and Ryan’s dedication.
“Managing to raise such a significant amount of money is a great achievement and we wish them all the best in their effort to meet the target.
“Beckie’s family are a poignant reminder of why the charity’s work is so important.”
Those who wish to donate towards the costs of Bobby and Ryan’s surgery can visit www.justgiving.com/bobbyandryan
