Proud Uncle fundraises for Heartlands Hospital Charity!

Despite taking place in the epic 100 mile bike ride that is Velo back in 2017, Paul Bird is back on the bike again this year, but this time for an entirely different cause.

Paul said: “I did Velo once… as a once-in-a-lifetime event back in 2017. But, against my legs' and backside's better judgement, I'm now doing it again. So, there would need to be a very good reason, and there is. My brother and sister in law had a tough year last year, but which ultimately ended very happily with the (albeit very premature!) arrival of my lovely nephew Oscar.”

Little Oscar was born at just 27 weeks gestation, he was a staggering three months early and weighed just a tiny 2lb 9oz. He was then taken to Intensive Care at the Neonatal Unit, where he spent a further three months of his life in an incubator.

Paul said: “I’m riding this year for the neonatal intensive care unit at Heartlands Hospital. My nephew, my brother and sister-in-law received fantastic care and support from the unit. I’m pleased to say Oscar is doing brilliantly well and will be there to cheer both me and his dad on as we do Velo together to raise money for the unit. Having worked in the NHS for over 15 years I’ve been involved with lots of different clinical teams and services, and I know the difference that funds from the Charity are able to make in adding to core NHS care. It’s great to be able to give a little bit back to the unit for the great support and care they gave to our family; the team there do a clinically and emotionally difficult job so well.”

Sian Averill, Fundraising Manager at Heartlands Hospital Charity said: “Thank you so much for choosing to fundraise for the hospital charity! On behalf of the Neonatal Unit I would like to say a huge thank you to both yourself and your brother for helping to fund towards life-saving equipment and state of the art facilities that help to give premature babies the best start to life. I will hopefully see you at the finish line, best of luck.”

If you would like to help Paul reach his target of £400, please visit his JustGiving page here

Velo Birmingham & Midlands is set to begin 12 May.