Portsmouth, UK – The 28K Incubator Push challenge is back and ready to shake things up at the Mountbatten Centre Athletics Track on October 12th. This unique charity event is more than just a physical challenge, it’s a celebration of community spirit and a tribute to the bravery of premature and sick babies and their families in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).
Participants in the Incubator Push will be pushing high-tech incubators, ventilators, and other specialized equipment around the Athletics track, symbolizing the daily battles fought by the tiniest of superheroes. Each lap completed will not only raise crucial funds for these tiny warriors but also raise awareness for the challenges faced by premature and sick babies and their families in the NICU. This one-of-a-kind event brings together communities and hospitals nationwide to support their chosen neonatal unit.
Among the brave participants is six-year-old Luna, a pint-sized powerhouse with a heart of gold. Born prematurely alongside her late brother Owen, Luna and her family are on a mission to give back to the neonatal unit that cared for Owen and saved Luna’s life.
“As a family, we are passionate about supporting Ickle Pickles and other families that experience the neonatal journey,” said Lorraine Blackburn, Incubator Push organiser and NICU mum. “Our son Owen was born prematurely at 26 weeks and sadly passed away at 12 weeks old. Our daughter Luna also received neonatal care, after her arrival at 34 weeks.”
Luna’s father added, “We experienced the NICU journey. One I wouldn’t wish on anyone but my goodness, those people who looked after my babies were amazing. I owe so much to them. We are passionate about fundraising for the unit to give them the best and much-needed equipment and supporting parents who are going through this journey. A NICU warrior never fights alone. We are all behind you!”
The 28K Incubator Push challenge is not only a fundraiser for vital neonatal equipment, but it’s also a platform for raising awareness and improving neonatal care. “We’ve been supporting neonatal care with life-saving equipment since 2009,” said Rachael, co-founder of Ickle Pickles and mum of a premature boy. “Though a novel fundraising concept, this Incubator Push challenge is a testament to our dedication to providing unique ways for everyone to participate in fighting for every child’s survival.”
The Ickle Pickles Charity has been providing essential equipment like incubators, ventilators, oxygen, brain monitors, and feeding pumps to neonatal units since 2009. However, these equipment are expensive, with an incubator costing £28,000 and approximately £2000 a day for a baby’s care in a neonatal unit. With one in thirteen babies being born prematurely each year in the UK and babies born between 28-31 weeks needing an average of 44 days in a neonatal unit, Ickle Pickles is on a mission to give every newborn a fighting chance.
The charity welcomes hospitals, companies, and communities to join their innovative fundraising efforts. The Incubator Push on the 12th of October in Portsmouth gives families and friends of babies cared for in neonatal units a chance to give back and support their local hospital unit. Whether taking part or sponsoring the Incubator Push, volunteering, donating, or sharing stories, everyone can contribute to making a difference for the tiniest patients yet the biggest fighters.
To participate in the Incubator Push, visit Ickle Pickles to sign up for an individual lap or register to take turns as a team.
About Ickle Pickles:
Ickle Pickles is a Children’s Charity that works and campaigns nationally to give every newborn a chance. Since 2009, the Charity has bought small and large equipment for over 50 neonatal units around the UK and continues to fight for the survival of every ickle pickle.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.