Virtual ‘superheroes’ race to help children’s hospital

A Yorkshire charity has turned to virtual fundraising amid the coronavirus pandemic. Catherine Scott reports
Nikkie Johnstone with her son OakleyNikkie Johnstone with her son Oakley
Nikkie Johnstone with her son Oakley

Yorkshire mother, Nikki Johnstone is taking part in this year’s Jessops Superhero Sunday virtual event to thank the medical staff who saved her son’s life.

Nikki’s son, Oakley, was born 27 weeks early at the Jessop Wing Maternity Unit last summer due to PPROM (premature preterm rupture of membranes) and was not breathing for the first four minutes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He received specialist care and treatment for his underdeveloped organs on the neonatal unit.

Oakley JohnstoneOakley Johnstone
Oakley Johnstone

Oakley’s grateful mum Nikki is now joining families from across the region who will become stay at home heroes on June 7 to raise funds for the Jessop Wing Maternity Hospital and to thank our amazing NHS staff.

Sheffield Hospitals Charity have partnered with the leading educational resources business, Twinkl, to provide a host of games, ideas and activities to support families taking on a fundraising mission of their choice for the Jessops Superhero Sunday virtual event on June 7.

Nikki, from York, said: “The team at Jessops are life savers and without them our son, Oakley, wouldn’t be here with us today.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“They brought our happy, cheeky, smiley boy safely into the world and we will be forever grateful - the work they do on the neonatal unit is truly amazing.”

Rebecca Slow, Community and Events Fundraiser at Sheffield Hospitals Charity, commented:

“We are very happy to hear that Oakley is now living a full and happy life after receiving lifesaving treatment at the Jessop Wing.

“We are very grateful to Nikki and her family for getting involved with the Jessops Superhero Sunday virtual event to help raise money on behalf of Sheffield Hospitals 
Charity.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“This new virtual event means that our superhero squads get to decide what challenge they embark on, as a family, from home instead.

“The money raised by Nikki and everyone else taking part will ensure babies and families at the Jessop Wing receive the best care possible.”

For more information on how you can support Nikki and her family or to make a donation, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jessops-superheros-2020. Alternatively, to find out how to get involved please contact [email protected]