Tour Aotearoa for The Neonatal Trust

Exactly five years after my son Oscar came home after spending the first month of his life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, I’ll be attempting to ride my mountain bike the length of New Zealand in a month, as part of the Tour Aotearoa.

It’ll be a tough journey but nothing like those weeks after Oscar was born, when initially each day was uncertain and we didn’t know how long it would be before we could bring him home. Like 10% of babies in New Zealand, Oscar was born premature, arriving 7 weeks early. It wasn't plain sailing - unfortunately he was born harbouring an infection that caused his temperature to rise so much he no longer needed his incubator. Finally, after 3 types of antibiotics and the support and care of all the NICU staff, he began to turn a corner and respond again to the world around him. We know we were one of the lucky families.

Starting February 22, 2020 I'll be travelling under my own power, unsupported and self sufficient, where as during Oscar’s stay in hospital we had amazing support, from the NICU nurses and The Neonatal Trust.

The Neonatal Trust doesn't receive any government funding, relying entirely on the generosity of the donations they receive. The main objectives of the trust are to support the families, provide equipment, professional development for staff, and to aid neonatal medical research.

I’d love to be able to raise $1 for every kilometre I ride. If 20 people gave just 5 cents per km I pedal, together we could raise $3,000 to help The Neonatal Trust provide crucial support for families of premature babies and better resource NICU.