Media Release

 

March 2, 2011

 

Help Us Save Babies Golf Day

 

In August 2007 David and Nadine Leighton had 11 precious days with their son, Darren James Leighton, in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at John Hunter Children's Hospital.

Darren was born prematurely at 31 weeks weighing 2440 grams; he needed assistance breathing and was given antibiotics to prevent infection.

Nadine and David remember the first time they held Darren, the first time they fed him, every moment special.

"The fact that the NICU team were able to save and treat baby Darren, even for a short while, meant we had time to experience and be with our newborn child. They gave us memories, they gave us support and they gave us the confidence our baby was receiving the best care," Mrs Leighton said.

"We've witnessed the fear in the eyes of parents whose babies have just been admitted; we've seen the overwhelming joy in their faces when they get to take their babies home. This is what the NICU does," she said.

Six months on from saying goodbye to Darren they embarked on an ambitious project with Energy Australia and Aggreko to support the NICU and Westpac Rescue Helicopter by holding a charity golf day.

In 2008 the Help Us Save Babies Golf Day raised $19,000 for the NICU, that same year and almost one year to the day baby Darren was born, Nadine gave birth to a baby girl named Veronica Leighton.

Veronica was also admitted to NICU, however within a week was discharged and has not looked back. Veronica is now a happy, healthy two and a half year old girl.

Nadine, David and the committee will mark the 4th now annual Help Us Save Babies Charity Golf Day on 4 March 2011 at Pacific Dunes Golf Course, Medowie.

To date the golf day has raised over $62,000 for the NICU with this year a record 183 golfers registering for the event.

Golfers on the day are also in the running to make their trip around the course that little bit more exciting as Maitland Toyota is offering a brand new car to all players that land a hole in one.

Special guest golfer and guest speaker for the day is former Wallaby great Nick Farr-Jones.

 

Media Opportunity

When:         Friday 4 March from 7.00am - 2.00pm
Where:        Pacific Dunes Golf Course at Medowie
What:           The Help Us Save Babies Golf Day. Photo and vision opportunities are available of golfers. Interviews with Nadine and David Leighton are available prior to the golf day or on the day.

 

Media inquiries:

Lucas Coleman - 02 49213844, 0407895101 (ref HNE-2505 )