Shaun's 'Brave the Shave' Fundraiser 2025

As many of you know on the 8th July 2022 our son Noah arrived into the world 16 weeks early weighing only 693g (1lb 8oz). We suffered PPROM at 18+6 weeks and at 23+4 weeks, we were bluelighted by ambulance to Southmead Hospital. Noah was born at 24 weeks, he was so premature that he needed the specialist care provided at Southmead Hospital almost 110 miles from home.

Despite the fear and anxiety that comes from having a premature or sick baby Southmead soon became our home from home. They cared for us as a family and made us feel safe and as big a part of Noah's care as possible. Not only did they save the life of our son but they did so whilst supporting us as parents, helping us navigate both the medical and emotional journey that we faced.

A huge part of the support we received came from the Southmead Hospital Charity which provided us with accommodation just down the road from the hospital which meant we didn't have to drive for hours everyday to see Noah. The accommodation is an amazing resource for NICU parents as it allows them to try and rest, eat and socialise with other parents during such a traumatic time.

Despite being constantly terrified at the time, we look back on our 10 weeks at Southmead before Noah's transfer to Exeter with fondness because of the support and kindness shown by all the staff and the charity. We could not have got through it without them and we owe them all so much.

The accommodation that we stayed in helps over 60 families with premature or sick babies every year. It costs over £64,000 a year to provide and we would like to help the charity with some fundraising of our own.

Hence why I have decided to do a sponsored shave to raise money for this amazing cause. On the 17th November for World Prematurity Day I will be braving the shave and going as bald as a baby 😉, hair and beard are going after 11 years! All money raised will go to Southmead Hospital Charity as the shave itself is self funded.

I'd be grateful for any sponsors to help me raise money for this amazing charity that is very close to our hearts.

We will keep you updated on this page.