Family's 22-Mile Walk Raises Over £13,500 for Neonatal Unit in Memory of Baby Reuben
The family and friends of baby Reuben Harvey have united to raise more than £13,500 for the neonatal unit at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough. Rebecca Hanley and Andrew Harvey, Reuben's parents, launched this heartfelt initiative to honor their son's memory and express profound gratitude to the dedicated staff who cared for him during his brief life.
A Difficult Start and a Tragic Loss
Rebecca was 26 weeks and three days into her pregnancy when her waters broke unexpectedly in the early hours. Following a complicated labour, Reuben was delivered safely but faced significant challenges from the outset. "Reuben was a beautiful boy. His brother Finley looks just like his daddy, but Reuben had a look of me. He weighed 1 pound 13 ounces, which was a good size for his age," Rebecca shared, reflecting on her son's precious moments.
While receiving care in the neonatal unit, Reuben sadly suffered a severe seizure that led to multiple brain bleeds, ultimately resulting in his passing. In the face of this devastating loss, his parents channeled their grief into a powerful fundraising mission to support other local babies and families navigating similar hardships.
The Challenging 22-Mile Charity Walk
On Saturday, March 7, a determined group of loved ones embarked on a 22-mile walk from the hospital unit to Spennymoor Football Club. The trek, which took approximately seven and a half hours and clocked around 44,000 steps, was both physically and emotionally demanding. "Starting at 4.30am, we were a little bit tired but excited for the first few miles. Everyone was really hyped and ready to do it," Rebecca recalled.
The route included several difficult uphill stretches, but the walkers stayed motivated by pausing and regrouping at the top of each climb. "There were some really tough long inclines, but once we got to the top we paused, regrouped, and continued on," she said. The effort became a true family affair for the final stretch, as Reuben's grandparents, cousins, and big brother Finley joined in for the last mile, symbolizing collective support and remembrance.
Community Support and Healing Through Giving
Donations have continued to pour in through their JustGiving page, highlighting the profound impact of Reuben's story on the community. "We are incredibly grateful for every single person that has supported us along the way. It's helped us heal a little bit knowing how much everyone will remember Reuben even though they didn't meet him," Rebecca expressed, emphasizing how the fundraiser has provided solace during a difficult time.
Neonatal matron Vicky Ford extended her deep gratitude to the family for their "amazing fundraising efforts" amidst such personal tragedy. "We deeply appreciate your time and energy; your support truly will make a difference for our families," Vicky stated. She added, "Having been through such a difficult time with the sad loss of Reuben, it is incredible that you wish to give something back to the team that cared for him."
How the Funds Will Make a Difference
The money raised will assist the Our Hospitals Charity in providing vital extras for the neonatal unit, such as:
- Refurbishing family rooms to create more comfortable spaces for parents.
- Funding "Mini Boos"—scent-transfer blankets and video messaging services that help parents feel connected to their babies during hospital stays.
These initiatives are crucial for enhancing the care experience and supporting emotional bonding in challenging circumstances. Rebecca noted, "The neonatal team were so supportive. I knew the unit was a special place, but until you have a baby in there, you don't realise how special it is." This fundraiser not only honors Reuben's memory but also ensures that his legacy continues to benefit others in need.
