A charity football tournament, organised by Taylor and Harriet from Waltham Abbey, whose son Reuben was cared for in the Neonatal Unit at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT), alongside their good friend Luke Casey, has raised an incredible £5,897 for The Princess Alexandra Hospital Charity.
The tournament, held at Shooters Football in North Weald Bassett, brought together families, friends, local businesses and the wider community for a memorable day of fundraising. Inspired by the care their family received, Taylor and Harriet organised the event as a way of giving back and helping future babies and families who may need support from the Neonatal Unit.
Among those taking part in the tournament was the PAHT estates team, who proudly pulled on their boots to support the cause.
Alongside the football, visitors enjoyed raffles, an auction and refreshments, helping to raise thousands of pounds to support babies and families receiving care on the Neonatal Unit.
Taylor and Harriet said: “The day was absolutely amazing. It was wonderful to see so many people come together to support the Neonatal Unit charitable fund. Everyone had a great time, whether they were playing in the tournament or simply cheering from the sidelines.
“Seeing around 150 people there at one point, with so many others coming and going throughout the day, was incredible. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and support we’ve received. Organising the event was our way of saying thank you for the care Reuben received while he was in the Neonatal Unit. The team supported us through a very difficult time, and we wanted to do something that would help other babies and families who may need that same care in the future.
To know we’ve raised £5,897 for the Neonatal Unit means so much to us, and we hope the money will help other babies and families who need the same care and support that we received.”
Natalie Tarrant, Head of The Princess Alexandra Hospital Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Reuben’s family and everyone who helped make the football tournament such a fantastic success. What makes this fundraising effort particularly special is that it was inspired by the care Reuben and his family received from our Neonatal Unit.
“We are fortunate to be supported by many grateful patients and families who choose to give back and say thank you through fundraising. Their generosity helps us fund equipment, resources and family-centred support that goes above and beyond NHS provision, making a real difference to future patients and their loved ones.
“We’d also like to thank everyone who took part, donated prizes, bought raffle tickets and supported the event. Together, they have raised funds that will help us provide additional support for babies and families receiving care on the Neonatal Unit.”
Donations can still be made via the family’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/nicu-ward