Parker and Moore set new fund raising target after generosity guarantees 2 cots for SCBU

5.43.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 25th Aug 2009

MP Michael Moore and council leader David Parker have met their initial £3,000 target for their fund raising walk for the Special Care Baby Unit at the BGH before they even set foot on the ‘Borders Abbeys Way’ this Saturday.

The two new dads, who have been seeking funds for 2 high tech cots for the unit, have already received enough pledges to allow the health board to purchase the equipment.

So now the local politicians are setting their sights on securing a third cot, each of which costs in the region of £1,500.

David’s son Angus and Michael’s daughter Ella were looked after in SCBU when they were born prematurely earlier this year. The first class care inspired them to help out by raising funds for updated equipment at the hospital.

Both men say they are overwhelmed by the generosity of people in the Borders, and elsewhere, who have helped to make the fund raising a success already.

And they are continuing their training so that they can complete the 5 day, 65 mile walk in as good shape as possible.

Mr Parker said:

“We have had a fantastic response to our appeal so far and it is really encouraging that we can set off this Saturday in the knowledge that the 2 cots are secured. The unit has space for a maximum of 4 cots so it would be great if we could help get closer to replacing all of them by securing funds for a third, or even fourth cot.”

Mr Moore added:

“People in the Borders really seem to have identified with this cause. We know from our experience of SCBU this year that the BGH has a great team whose work could be enhanced with new equipment. It now appears that we can achieve even more than we had hoped at the outset.”

Donations to the fund raising effort can be made by visiting www.4abbeys4scbu.co.uk Michael and David will also be collecting money for SCBU as they walk along the route and will be setting off on each of the 5 days at the following times and places:

Saturday 29th August, 10.00am, Front of the Chaplaincy centre at the BGH, Melrose

Sunday 30th August, 10.30am, Outside the Abbey Row Centre, Kelso

Monday 31st August, 10.00am, Abbey ramparts opposite the Carters Rest, Jedburgh

Tuesday 1st September, 10.00am, At the Horse monument, High Street, Hawick

Wednesday 2nd September, 10.00am, Outside Scott’s Courthouse, Market square, Selkirk