FEATURE: Sheffield swimmers, runners and footballers do their bit

A father-of-three who was told his baby girl might not survive a complicated birth has completed an epic marathon to raise funds for Sheffield Hospitals Charity to thank those who saved his daughter's life.

Rikki Renshaw, aged 26, from Lane Top, was devastated when his partner Katy Butler, aged 27, suffered severe complications during birth which meant his daughter, Chloe, was in intensive care for six weeks.

But Chloe, who suffers with Cerebral Palsy, defied all the odds and has just turned three years old.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Rikki said: “Katy was four days overdue when she started to lose blood, so we went straight to the hospital. When we arrived at Jessops, both Katy and Chloe’s heartbeat were monitored. Everything seemed to be ok but, as a precaution, the doctors decided to induce Katy as we were already overdue.”

Many complications followed after Chloe was delivered by emergency caesarean section including losing blood and stopping breathing for 22 minutes, but despite this she pulled through surpassing the doctor’s expectations throughout a six week stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Rikki added: “None of this would have been possible without the amazing care of the nurses and doctors.”

He said the family will always be eternally grateful to the hospital staff, and in thanks decided to take part in this year’s London Marathon, raising £2,500 for Sheffield Hospitals Charity.

Charity Football Match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield, United Kingdom, 19th May 2016. Photo by Glenn Ashley.Charity Football Match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield, United Kingdom, 19th May 2016. Photo by Glenn Ashley.
Charity Football Match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield, United Kingdom, 19th May 2016. Photo by Glenn Ashley.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Another South Yorkshire resident raised money for the same cause, completing the Great North Swim yesterday, after the hospital saved her son.

Mum Sally Moorcroft, son Connaire, aged 15, and his brother Fionnlah, aged 13, donned their wesuites and plunged into Lake Windermere in appreciation of healthcare staff.

Two years ago Connaire developed a simple ear infection that later became a severe subdural abscess and blood clot. He was treated by experts at Sheffield Children’s Hospital and now, at the age of 15, is back to full health.

Sally said: “It means so much to all three of us that we could take on the Great North Swim together.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Fionnlagh saw his brother so ill and we all know that without Sheffield Children’s Hospital Connaire probably wouldn’t still be here.

“We’re just so happy we can do something to help.”

Meanwhile Sheffield property consultant experts Monaghans scored a major hit for the 2016 Master Cutler’s Challenge after raising more than £3,500 with a charity football match at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane stadium.

As part of their fundraising efforts, a ‘Monaghans All Stars’ side took on a ‘Rest of Property XI’, managed by Adrian Lunn and captained by Barry Smith, of Lambert Smith and Hampton. Firms such as Pygott and Crone, Airflow, EY, Domino Interiors and HK Architects provided players.

Next week sees city-based bus driver Carl Whitby and three of his First Bus colleagues teeing off for a charity golf day for Macmillan Cancer Research.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The event will be held at Abbeydale Golf Club on June 20 and will involve playing 72 holes, that’s four rounds, all in the same day.

Elsewhere, Sheffield-based power tool company, Evolution Power Tools, has donated £5,000 to Roundabout’s most recent fundraising campaign.

Roundabout is the organisation that supports around 150 young people in the city every day and runs the only emergency hostel in the city for young homeless people aged 16-21.

The charity is currently raising money to refurbish No 11, the property next door to its emergency hostel, which provides five self-contained flats for eight young people as they prepare for independent living.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We saw firsthand the difference Roundabout makes to young people when we spoke to a young person who had been living at the hostel,” said Matthew Gavins, managing drector of Evolution.

Charity Football Match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield, United Kingdom, 19th May 2016. Photo by Glenn Ashley.Charity Football Match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield, United Kingdom, 19th May 2016. Photo by Glenn Ashley.
Charity Football Match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield, United Kingdom, 19th May 2016. Photo by Glenn Ashley.

“It’s clear the service they provide is vital, so we were more than happy to help them with this campaign and can’t wait to see the transformation in a few months.”

And it was all about fashion at another recent fundraiser.

The Sister store on Ecclesall Road, organised a fashion show all in aid of The Helen’s Trust charity, which was attended by a representative of the charity.

The event raised £900 which has been donated to the worthy cause which helps to keep terminally ill people in their homes, the money will be used to provide vital care and equipment.

MORE ABOUT THE CHARITY

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Helen’s Trust was set up in October 2001. The charity aims to help remove the barriers that may be preventing a person from staying at home by funding and providing care and equipment. Some examples of things they have provided in the past are: packages of care which meet individuals needs; and transport to and from hospital appointments.

Why it is so important to stay at home? Returning home, even after just a short time, can be one of the most comforting feelings. Relaxing in your own chair, drinking tea from your favourite cup or watching your pets play are simple pleasures. At the most challenging of times these home comforts can make a big difference.