Our wonderful parent trustee Sam Thomas has taken on the challenge of raising £10,000 for Rockinghorse during our 55th year.
Sam, the co-founder of County Business Clubs and managing director of Sussex Business Times and FirmBalls, joined the Rockinghorse board in February 2021 as our first Parent Trustee. This was following his family’s experience at the Trevor Mann Baby Unit at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital where their twins were born in 2015.
While Sienna was born without any complications, Lucy struggled to survive due to a prolapsed cord. Immediately the medical staff rushed to help her, giving her oxygen and ‘cooling mat’ treatment that stopped her brain from swelling.
Despite these interventions, they were given the devastating news that Lucy may not survive, and if she did, she would likely face severe brain damage. But thanks to the dedication and care shown by the incredible staff at the unit, Lucy slowly built up her strength and the family started to get more positive feedback from the doctors.
Eventually after four weeks they were finally able to take Lucy home to meet Sienna and after two years of monitoring and testing, she reached every milestone along with her sister.
It was at this point that Sam decided to do as much as he could to support Rockinghorse Children’s Charity so that other families who find themselves in the same difficult situation can get all the support they need.
Sam said: “Over the past six years we’ve organised various events, fundraisers and auctions raising funds to go to the people and equipment to whom we literally owe our lives.
“Now as a Trustee I aim to continue my support and want to do even more to spread awareness and support for this incredible charity. In this, their 55th year and my first full year as a Trustee, I wanted to make as much of an impact as possible. So, my aim is to raise £10,000 over the year through a variety of events and challenges, from a lot of running and jumping out of a plane to a 24-hour podcast and much more!”
Donna Holland, Rockinghorse CEO, said: “This is such a brilliant idea, what an incredible challenge for 2022 and for our Emerald year. We will be helping Sam every step of the way in reaching his goal – from cheering him on at his running and triathlon events, to staying up with him for his podcast-athon!
“Having someone like Sam on our Team, as such a vocal supporter of the work we do, as well as a committed and passionate Trustee makes such a difference to us. As a small local charity people like Sam enable us to support thousands of babies, children and their families every year. We can’t wait to get cheering and helping him achieve this marvellous milestone.”
This is an amazing challenge and one which we wish Sam all the success. If you would like to sponsor Sam to reach his goal, just click here to visit his Just Giving page and donate.
Many thanks to Sam for all his continued support!
