Grandmother covers 500 miles in just 50 days for neonatal unit

Lindsey Edge has completed a steps fundraising challenge, walking one million steps over 50 days, the equivalent of 500 miles, to support the neonatal unit at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton.

The 47-year-old, who works at Goldthorn Dental Surgery, in Wolverhampton, walked to work and back every day from her home in Willenhall, with extra steps taken at the weekend.

She said she had chosen to do the challenge, which has raised £1,000.88 for the neonatal unit, after her grandson, Drew, was born three months prematurely.

She said: “The neonatal intensive care unit is very close to my heart, having had a brother born three months prematurely 46 years ago and now having the same with my grandson.

“He was born in January weighing only two pounds, 12 ounces.

“He was taken to the neonatal unit for what was a time of mixed emotions.

“It’s a place where you will meet the kindest, most compassionate and talented medical workers, nurses and staff, so doing this walk was worth it to help the young ones and their families.

“I actually only used one pair of shoes for the whole walk, brand new at the start but definitely well worn at the end!”

Rachel Robinson, community and events fundraiser for New Cross Hospital, thanked Lindsey for her kind donation.

And she spoke about what the money would mean for the neonatal unit.

She said: “It’s a fantastic achievement on Lindsey’s part and will be of great benefit to all our young patients and families, as well as the staff looking after them,

“The staff will be able to apply for any pieces of equipment they need that will benefit the patient and help make comfortable.

“It will also be used to purchase milk warmers, which means that when mothers produce it, their milk can be warmed up for their babies. I think what Lindsey has done can inspire a lot of people to be more active, do more steps and keep healthier.”