Triathlon challenge to raise money for exceptional unit
Date of release: 30 April 2024
A father of three is taking part in four gruelling triathlons to raise funds for an ‘exceptional’ Wolverhampton Neonatal department.
Anthony Baker, a senior recruitment consultant, said his twin daughters, Lucy and Olivia, had fantastic care during their time on New Cross Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
They were born on August 21 2020 weighing about 4 pounds.
The 35-year-old from Wolverhampton said: “We were told the girls were Monochorionic Monoamniotic twins (MCMA) which is a rare type of identical twins who not only share a placenta, but also share the same amniotic sac (pocket of fluid).
“They carry a higher risk of complications so were born at 32 weeks and spent close to a month on NICU.
“The care and dedication of the team who looked after them was exceptional.
“They were born in the middle of the pandemic so things were very different in the hospital but still staff were amazing. They supported my wife Rachel and answered all her questions. They let us have our own room so we could stay with the twins before they were discharged home and they really looked after us and the girls.”
Anthony completed his first triathlon on 21 April in Wombourne. This consisted of a 400m swim, 20k cycle and 5k run.
He added: “I always like to challenge myself so I thought I would take part in some triathlons and raise some money for the Neonatal Unit to say thank you for the amazing care they provided.
“I am training while I can and my biggest challenge will take place on 8 September where I will be doing a half ironman distance triathlon.
“I have never really done anything like this before so I am pushing myself.”
Anthony will be taking part in the remaining events:
Ellesmere Olympic Triathlon - 30 June (1500m swim, 40k cycle, 10k run)
The Big Welsh swim, Llyn Padarn - 6 July (6k swim)
Ellesmere Middle Distance Triathlon – 8 September (2k swim, 78k cycle, 20k run)
Amie Rogers, Fundraising and Lead Digital Engagement Officer, said: “We are very grateful for Anthony’s support and wish him all the best with his fundraising adventures. We know our Neonatal teams offer incredible support to our families and are always touched when people want to give something back in this way.”
To support him, please go to JustGiving
ENDS
- For further information, please email amy.downward@nhs.net
