Sheffield dad to raise cash for hospital unit that saved his daughter

Last November, Matthew O’Nyons daughter Eva was born at Sheffield’s Jessop Wing maternity hosptial at just 32 weeks.

She was not breathing, and the medical team worked for nine minutes before the tiny baby let out her first cry and was then rushed to intensive care.

Bec, Matthew’s fiancé, was cared for on the postnatal ward following an emergency Caesaerean section and the couple were finally able to take their new daughter home nearly five weeks later.

The electrical engineer is now taking on his first half marathon to raise money for the Sheffield Hospitals Charity to thank the Jessop Wing and to help parents going through a similar journey.

Matthew, who is aiming to raise £500, said: “It feels great to be able to give something back to the Jessop Wing after all the support we received through the pregnancy, birth and time spent in the neonatal intensive care unit with Eva.

“I wanted the opportunity to help others going through the same thing especially as we received extra support from the Jessop Wing as Bec’s water broke at only 22 weeks.

“By running my first half marathon I thought I could contribute to the incredible work delivered at the maternity hospital.”

Rebecca Slow, charity community and events fundraiser, said :“We are very appreciative of Matthew’s fundraising and given his personal connection to the Jessop Wing it makes his efforts even more inspirational.

“We would like to wish Matthew all the best with his first ever half marathon and if Matthew’s story has inspired you, then please get in touch as there are still places available to run on behalf of Sheffield Hospitals Charity.”

The half marathon takes place on March 29.

For more information on how you can support Matthew or to make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/matthew-o-nyons

Alternatively, visit www.sheffieldhospitalscharity.org.uk/ to book your charity place to run.