Saying Thank You for Beatrice
On 12 July a team of 20 cyclists will set off on a 22 mile bike ride from Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to Quidenham Hospice.
However this bike ride has a particular poignancy as it is raising money for three charities including a paediatric fund at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Charitable Fund to celebrate the life of a small baby called Beatrice.
On 28th November 2013 Beatrice Octavia Iris Smith was born. For the first six weeks Beatrice settled into life with her delighted parents and very excited big brother. She was apparently healthy and enjoyed her first Christmas. Then on the 10th January Beatrice became unwell and was taken to the Children’s Assessment Unit and then admitted onto Buxton (children’s) ward at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. It became clear that something was seriously wrong and Beatrice was diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy, a rare heart condition. Beatrice spent the next six weeks with the help of the skilled teams at NNUH and Great Ormond Street Hospital fighting to make the most of every day, she continued to delight her family with her beautiful smiles and her feisty nature shone through as brightly as her flame red hair and big brown eyes.
Beatrice died peacefully at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) on 24th February 2014 in her Mummy’s arms holding her Mummy and Daddy’s hands. Her story did not end there though as she travelled to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice (EACH) where her family were able to spend time peacefully saying goodbye.
Nicky Russell a friend of Beatrice’s parents said, “As friends of Toby and Leigh Smith we wanted to show our support for them, while thanking these three very special places who cared for Beatrice and her family with such devoted care and skill at every stage of their devastatingly painful journey. We are raising money to divide equally between Buxton ward Paediatric fund (NNUH), EACH and Beatrice’s brighter future fund, a fund set up in her name to raise money for GOSHCC to pay for a heart/lung bypass machine which will be lifesaving for other precious children like Beatrice.
“So a ‘Bike ride for Beatrice’ has been organised and on Saturday 12th July a group of friends will be cycling the 22 miles from NNUH to EACH to raise money for the charities but also to celebrate the life of Beatrice.”
Louise Cook, fundraising manager said: “We are so sorry for Toby and Leigh’s loss and incredibly grateful for their support. We wish everyone well on the bike ride.”
For further information about NNUH and to find out how to support the charity, please call 01603 287107 or visit www.nnuh.nhs.uk or to sponsor the ride http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/BikerideforBeatrice