For Dave Jowett, taking part in our NICU Cycle to Lapland Challenge was about much more than crossing the finish line. As a proud NICU ‘Graduate Dad’ - a term affectionately used by the Neonatal Team for parents whose babies have received care on the unit - Dave was keen to give back to the service that supported his family during one of the most challenging times in their lives.
Dave joined the challenge in December to help raise funds to redecorate the Parent and Family Rooms on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, creating more welcoming and comfortable spaces for families facing similar journeys. Our Fundraising Co-ordinator, Katie Stewart, caught up with Dave to talk about the challenge, his motivation for fundraising, and what the care and support he received on the neonatal unit meant to him and his family.
Q: What inspired you to take part in the Cycle to Lapland Challenge?
A: My wife Claire and I have a very personal connection to neonatal care. Our son Lucas was born prematurely in 2007 and spent over three months on the neonatal unit at Calderdale. When I saw the Cycle to Lapland Challenge on Facebook, it felt like the perfect opportunity to give something back. It was especially meaningful as the challenge coincided with Lucas's 18th birthday. Even more remarkably, one of the organisers, Jo Richardson, was part of the team who cared for Lucas all those years ago.
Q: What do you remember most about your family's time on the neonatal ward?
A: It was undoubtedly one of the most challenging periods of our lives. We had previously lost our first child through prematurity, so there was a huge amount of fear and uncertainty. What stands out most, though, is the incredible care, compassion and professionalism of the neonatal team. They became our source of reassurance, helping us understand every step of Lucas's journey and supporting us through some very difficult days.
Q: How did the care and support you received impact your family?
A: The impact was enormous. The staff took the time to explain everything in a way we could understand, helping to reduce the fear that naturally comes with being surrounded by unfamiliar medical equipment and procedures. Their communication, kindness and constant support gave not only us, but our wider family, confidence and hope during an incredibly stressful time.
Q: Why was it important to mark Lucas's 18th birthday by giving back?
A: We've always tried to support charities connected to prematurity and neonatal care. Shortly after Lucas came home, we completed a coast-to-coast charity bike ride and raised over £20,000. As Lucas reached this milestone birthday, taking part in this challenge felt like a fitting way to recognise how far he has come and to thank the people who helped make that possible.
Q: Why did the Cycle to Lapland Challenge resonate with you personally?
A: Beyond our connection to the neonatal unit, the fundraising goal was particularly meaningful. The challenge aimed to improve facilities for parents and families, including dedicated spaces where loved ones can remain close during difficult times. Having lived through that experience ourselves, we know just how important those facilities can be.
Q: How would improved facilities for parents and carers have helped during your time on the unit?
A: Having somewhere comfortable and welcoming to step away for a few moments can make a huge difference. The family room was one of the few places where we could briefly escape the stress of the ward, have a hot drink and gather our thoughts. Improving those facilities will provide much-needed support for families facing some of the hardest days of their lives.
Q: How did Lucas feel about being involved in the challenge?
A: Like many teenagers, his initial reaction was probably a shrug and a smile! While he has no memory of his early months in hospital, he understands the challenges he faced and how fortunate we were. Sharing his story is important because it offers hope to families currently going through similar experiences.
Q: What was the biggest challenge during the 24-day event, and what kept you motivated?
A: Remembering what we went through as a family was all the motivation I needed. My original target was 230 miles, inspired by Lucas's birth weight of 2lb 3oz. As support and sponsorship grew, so did the target—eventually reaching 400 miles. Even a bout of flu towards the end couldn't stop me from reaching the finish line. The encouragement from supporters and the knowledge of what the funds would achieve kept me going.
Q: What would you say to other families who have experienced neonatal care and may be considering fundraising?
A: Do it. The difference these teams make to families is extraordinary. Fundraising not only supports vital services and facilities, but it also helps raise awareness and offers hope to families currently on their own neonatal journey. Every contribution matters, and every story shared can make a difference.
Q: Is there anyone you would like to thank?
A: Absolutely. Thank you to everyone who donated, sponsored and supported the challenge. A special thank you goes to Jo Richardson, who not only cared for Lucas when he was a baby but also helped drive this fundraising campaign forward. Most importantly, thank you to the entire neonatal team, past and present, whose dedication changes lives every day.
Together, the Cycle to Lapland Challenge raised an incredible £15,000 for neonatal services and family facilities, helping to support future families when they need it most.
