Pennine Pneumatic Services (PPS) have shown their support for local neonatal care by making a generous donation of £1,000 to the Cycle to Lapland Challenge, an initiative led by the Calderdale Neonatal Unit and Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Charity.

The festive fundraising challenge aimed to raise vital funds to refurbish the parent and family rooms on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which are spaces that provide comfort and privacy for families while their babies receive specialist care. These rooms hold particular significance for PPS, as they were used last year by one of their own team members and his family.

Chris Marshall, from the PPS Compressor Spares team, welcomed his daughter, Marnie, earlier than expected on 1 October 2025. Born six weeks premature, Marnie spent 19 days on the Calderdale Neonatal Unit with Chris and his partner, Chelsea. Chris said, ‘Marnie was due on the 11th of November, but she surprised us all by arriving six weeks early. The care she and Chelsea received during those 19 days was amazing, and we are so grateful for everything the NICU team did for our family. Marnie is now four months old, doing really well, and keeping us both on our toes!’

Each year, Pennine Pneumatic Services chooses to donate to a local charity or community project instead of sending corporate Christmas gifts. Team members nominate and vote for the cause they feel most deserving, and this year the Calderdale Neonatal Unit was the clear choice.

Emma Kovaleski, Head of Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Charity, said, ‘We have been completely blown away by the support shown through the Cycle to Lapland Challenge, which helped us surpass our fundraising target. Every pound raised will make a real difference, allowing us to refurbish the three parent rooms on the Neonatal Unit and make them more comfortable for families when they need it most. We’re incredibly thankful to PPS for their generosity and for helping us support parents and babies during such an important time.’

Thanks to the generosity of PPS and the wider community, the refurbished parent rooms will soon offer an improved environment for families during what can be a challenging and emotional period, ensuring they are supported with comfort, dignity and care.