Baby unit help inspires climb

A MOTHER from Yaxley who experienced a premature birth will climb the Yorkshire three peaks to raise money for children who are born early.

Lian Stevens (50), of Lancaster Way, Yaxley, will lead a group of colleagues and friends on a mission to scale Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent at the end of the month.

She is undertaking the challenge to raise money for the Peterborough’s Special Care Unit, a cause dear to her heart because her son Zak was born prematurely when she was 27 weeks pregnant. The unit provided such good care that Zak survived and 26 years on is now a police officer.

Lian, who works for Greenstones Accountants in Lynch Wood, Peterborough, wants to help other mothers whose babies are born prematurely to have the same positive outcome.

She said: “Back when Zak was born, it was very detrimental when a baby was born before 27 weeks.

“The care was next to none and it is important that more is done to help children who are born prematurely.

“I have done lots of fund-raisers for the Peterborough Special Care Unit in the past, especially in the late 1980s and 1990s. We have raised £15,000 over the years and although we have not made any targets we hope to add to that.

“Unfortunately, the weather has been miserable when we have been doing our training, but we have still gone out.

“We did a 17-mile trek around Rutland Water at the weekend. It took us five hours and it was pouring with rain but it’s all good training.”

The three climbs will take place on successive days between May 25 and May 27.

To sponsor Lian and the group, call Carolyn Wittke on 01733 371180.