A charity which has supported the care of premature babies at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary for 34 years is set to close.
Lancaster and District Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) Trust Fund is formally winding down after raising around half a million pounds since it was established in 1989.
The fund was created by Consultant Paediatrician Monica Placzek with the aim of supporting the hospital’s Neonatal Unit.
Donations from the fund are used to support babies receiving care on the unit, improve facilities for staff, provide specialist equipment, and promote research.
Jonathon Prichard, who joined as trustee in 1993 and is now the fund’s Chair, said: “I have been involved in the life of SCBU since the birth of our son 39 years ago.
“In total we have raised and contributed in the region of £500,000 towards Special Care during the time that the Trust has been in operation.
“The trustees and I are so grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve, even if only in this small way, and know that we have made a difference.
“I would like to thank my fellow trustees Chris Gartside (Treasurer), Helen Wilkinson (Secretary) and Cathy Munster - without them nothing would have been possible.”
Throughout its history, the fund has incurred no running expenses. Professional services such as legal and accountancy have been provided free of charge, allowing all money raised to go to the unit.
Around £11,000 currently held by the fund is being passed on to Bay Hospitals Charity to continue supporting the unit.
“It’s hard to find the words to express how grateful we are to the Special Care Baby Unit Trust Fund team for their incredible support spanning more than three decades," said Suzanne Lofthouse, Bay Hospitals Charity’s Head of Charities and Fundraising.
“Although the fund is now closing, it leaves an incredible legacy through its support for families all over the region.
“Bay Hospitals Charity is proud to be continuing this work, and we will ensure that the final donation of funds from the charity is put to good use.”
Bay Hospitals Charity funds the latest equipment for University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust to help make patients more comfortable and ensure they get the best possible care and treatment.
To donate and support your local NHS hospital, contact Bay Hospitals Charity on 01524 516064 or email charity@mbht.nhs.uk
Donations can also be made at bayhospitalscharity.org
Man accused of stealing joints of meat at Lancaster Asda by hiding them in his trousers
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Spectacular display of 12,000 poppies unveiled at Lancaster landmark
Eden Project Morecambe boss gives update on early stages of work on new £100m attraction
Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth Remembrance services announced
Road closures for pre-Tour de France work announced for Lancaster district
Lancaster rock guitarist braves beard shave for charity
Two arrests made after post office robbery in Lancaster
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to perform concert for schools at Morecambe Winter Gardens
PHOTOS: Plans go in for major Lancaster regeneration scheme
Lancaster music venue's heartfelt message ahead of final night on New Year's Eve
Morecambe school named among one of England's most improved for attendance
Lancaster hospital nursing boss appointed to University of Cumbria honorary role
Morecambe Football Club placed under another embargo by the National League
£1.5m Lancaster scheme to boost water quality in River Lune is complete
Family pays tribute to Lancaster pensioner who died in road crash
Popular artist's print of Morecambe Bay Academy to be launched at alumni evening
Work set to begin on new Heysham skate park
Light Up Lancaster promises to illuminate city with ‘No Boundaries’
Sadness as Morecambe sports and social club suffers break-in on night of reopening
Man arrested after death of pensioner in Lancaster road crash
