Dave Norton is taking on our Peacehaven Cliffs Abseil in memory of his daughter Alissa who was cared for in the Trevor Mann Baby Unit.
Dave and Kat Norton know first-hand all about the amazing care that the specialist team on the Trevor Mann Baby Unit provide. Their daughter Alissa was looked after in the unit during her short life and the support the family received has left a lasting impact on them.
Dave explains, “Alissa was born in April 2022, and shortly after her birth, she was taken to the Trevor Mann Baby Unit (TMBU) in Brighton, where she was cared for with such compassion and dedication for five precious days.
“The staff at TMBU did everything they could for her, and they made sure that both Kat and I were supported every step of the way. Alissa passed away peacefully in our arms, surrounded by love.
“They gave us precious moments with Alissa that I didn’t think would be possible, in a much more peaceful setting than the clinical environment we’d been in.
“I’ll never forget the care and compassion we received. It made a lasting impact, and I knew early on that I wanted to do whatever I could to give something back and help others receive the same support we did.”
Dave with wife Kat and daughter Daisy
Dave has already taken part in the Santa Dash in 2022, then took part again the following year with Kat while pushing their daughter Daisy in her pushchair, and then Daisy did her own mini-Santa Dash last year, all raising money for Rockinghorse.
And this year, Dave is going a step further. He’s signed up to take part in our Peacehaven Cliffs Abseil on 13 September.
We are organising this 115ft abseil in conjunction with the Friends of Brighton and Hove Hospitals, who have supported adult hospital patients in Brighton and Hove for over 60 years and we’re sure it will be a great day for everyone involved.
The setting is stunning with views all along the south coast, and it’s even open to our younger supporters, with anyone over the age of 10 able to sign up.
Dave’s fundraising is going well but he’s keen to raise as much as possible, “I’m proud to be supporting Rockinghorse, with every penny raised for the TMBU fund going directly to supporting babies and their families during the most critical moments.
“Even better, the Focus Foundation will be match-funding my fundraising efforts, doubling the impact of every donation to help Rockinghorse continue their vital work.
“If you’re able to donate, no matter how small, it will go a long way in helping Rockinghorse continue their amazing work. And if you can’t donate right now, please consider sharing my Just Giving page with friends, family, or anyone who might be moved by Alissa’s story and the incredible work of Rockinghorse.”
Emma Henderson, Supporter Engagement Manager at Rockinghorse, regularly works with people who have a special connection to our work. She said, “Often people have had first-hand experience of the wonderful care provided at the TMBU or the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital.
“Whether it’s a visit to the Emergency Department for a broken bone or managing a life-changing diagnosis, we are there to help our amazing NHS colleagues provide the best care possible.
“But none if this is possible without fundraisers like Dave and his family. So, if you’re thinking about doing something for charity, why not sign up for this great abseil to challenge yourself and help more families like Dave, Kat and Daisy.”
Get your place in the Peacehaven Cliffs Abseil here.
