LOCAL accountancy firm Watson Buckle has been presented with a certificate by Bradford Hospitals’ Charity for raising thousands of pounds for Bradford Royal Infirmary’s Neonatal unit during 2019.

More than £4,500 was raised throughout the year for the charity by the firm, with fundraising including taking part in the Bradford Dragon Boat Festival, the 10km Abbey Dash, and a reverse advent calendar where staff collected gifts to hand over to the neonatal in the week before Christmas.

The team at the accountancy firm had chosen to raise money for the neonatal unit after one of their directors, Gillian Craven, experienced the unit’s care first-hand when her son, Rafe, was born three months premature.

Gillian said: “Everyone at Watson Buckle has worked so hard to raise money for the Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, I am immensely proud of all of their efforts and I cannot thank them enough."

“Having received such fantastic care and support from all of the nurses, doctors and support staff on the neonatal unit I know the gifts and the money we raised will go a long way in helping other premature babies and their families.”

Hayley Collis, head of fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone at Watson Buckle for their fundraising and kind donations.

“Our Neonatal Unit provides a first-class service, treating and caring for babies around the region. However, it’s the aftercare shown to parents and siblings, and the fact staff go over and above to help families, which makes the unit extra special.

“We are currently fundraising to create extra family accommodation for parents who wish to stay close to their babies and this donation will go a long way to helping us provide this. On behalf of Bradford Hospitals’ Charity and our Neonatal Unit – thank you.”