Publish date: 8 May 2025
A touching donation of £2,000 has been made to the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Darlington Memorial Hospital, thanks to the generosity of a grandmother who included the unit in her will after her twin granddaughters were born prematurely and cared for by the teams at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust dedicated teams.
The late Elisabeth McOwen, made the heartfelt gesture in gratitude for the lifesaving support her family received during a difficult time. Her twin granddaughters, Rosie and Molly now 24 years-old spent their earliest days in SCBU under the care of the unit’s specialist team.
"This donation is a lovely way to honour a grandmother’s love and appreciation," said Richard Jones, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundations Trust Charity Manager.
"Her gift will help us continue providing vital care for our tiniest patients and support for their families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives."
The funds will contribute to enhancements in the unit, including specialist equipment and comfort items for families staying close to their babies.
The SCBU team and CDDFTCharity have expressed their heartfelt thanks to the family for choosing to support the unit in such a meaningful way.
Gail McAllister, SCBU Sister and Michelle Nesbitt, Neonatal Practice Educator cared for Rosie, Molly and their family following their early arrival and were honoured to meet with them again and reminisce. E
Gail commented: "Legacy gifts like this have a lasting impact and will support the work we are doing to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for families to stay, during their baby’s admission. Parents being able to stay with their baby is vital to their progress and long term emotional and physical development. This generous gift will help ensure that future generations of babies and their families have an environment that supports this high-quality and compassionate care.”
Alison Clarke, Rosie and Molly’s mother said: “I was honoured to fulfil this last wish on behalf of my mother.”
To find out more about leaving a gift in your will or supporting County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Charity, please visit www.cddftcharity.co.uk or contact Richard Jones on 07787 3555 593 or Email Richard.
