Determined dad Stuart Robertson has kicked off his £5,000 fundraising campaign for a maternity unit with an event in South Woodham Ferrers.

Stuart's baby daughter, Bethany, spent the first weeks of her life being cared for in the special care baby unit at St John's Hospital, Chelmsford.

Now Stuart wants to help other tots born prematurely.

On Saturday, he and his team were at Asda, South Woodham Ferrers, generating cash by holding an exercise marathon.

They were joined by staff who helped keep an exercise bike and skiing and rowing machines going for nine hours.

Store events co-ordinator Lisa Kelly said: "We raised more than £1,000. People weren't putting in pennies - they were really generous, throwing in five and ten pound notes."

Bethany, who is now three months old, arrived seven weeks early in December.

She spent several weeks in the unit, where Stuart and wife Samantha were moved by the devotion of staff.

"I was amazed by the amount of work they did above and beyond their call of duty," said Stuart.

"They really supported us as well."

To boost funds, a climb up France's highest mountain, Mont Blanc, is also planned, along with a sponsored bike ride from the family's home.

Stuart said:"We hope to raise £5,000 in total, which will then be put towards buying equipment such as an incubator or a breathing machine."

Published Thursday, April 17, 2003

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