DAD’s thAnks to ‘supErhEroEs’

Father of twins to take on cycling challenge after hospital staff save his premature twins life

The dad of premature twins has vowed to raise as much money as possible during a marathon cycle ride to help the neo-natal units at two hospitals after staff saved the girls’ lives. Nathan Curtis, (26) and his wife Steffanie, (27) were devastated when complications from Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome(TTTS) during pregnancy meant that both their babies lives were at risk.

But the identical twins fought back despite the odds andSteffaniehadanemergency c-section at Leicester Royal Infirmary at 30 weeks gesta- tion. CharlotteandMilliewere born on October 3 weighing just 3lb and 3lb 3oz and both needed intensive care.

Nathan, who is acorporal based at RAF Wittering, will ride from Peterborough City Hospital to Leicester Royal Infirmary and back again on April 15. The 82.6-mile round trip was a journey that the couple had to do frequently, before both of the girls were transferred to Peterborough. Nathan is hoping to raise £1,000 so that this can go towards specialist equipment.

Nathansaid: “MywifeandI are so grateful for all the love, care and support the NICU staff have given not only our two little miracles, but us as parents.

“They have made it possible for us to have the greatest gift ever, Millie and Charlotte, home for Christmas safe and well. We enjoyed our time at both hospitals, as we received so much support throughout our stay, we really couldn’t have gotten through this without the teams. Thankyou everyone in the NICU departmentsatLeicester Royal Infirmary and Peterborough City Hospital, the staff are the real superheroes.”

Kate Rivett, neonatal ward manager at Peterborough City Hospital, said: “We are incredibly touched by Nathan’s kindness and generosity in choosing to support NICU through his fundraising efforts and we wish him every success on his bike ride.”

Tosupport Nathanvisit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/nathancurtis1