12th October 2011

WEST DORSET: Twins run for a cause close to their hearts

THE mother of a baby whose life was saved by the skills and dedication of the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Southampton Hospital, and her twin brother will be running the Great South Run again this month to raise money for the cause.

Luke May was rushed to the hospital at just six weeks old for a lifesaving operation caused by a diaphragmatic hernia. Six weeks later he had to have his lung removed, a very dangerous and intricate, but successful operation, thanks to the skills of the hospital’s surgeons.

Luke who is now 2 ½ spent almost a year in hospital, and his mother Julia and her twin brother Daniel Broom both of whom live in Bridport, are running to raise money for Friends of PICU.

Mum Julia explained: “Many will know that our son Luke became critically ill as a baby and was saved by the skill and expertise of Southampton PICU where he spent most of his first year of life. Fortunately he is doing brilliantly now, but we will never forget the PICU team who saved his life and who we will remain indebted to forever.

“I am running the Great South Run again this year to say thanks to the unit that means so much to us. Many children would not survive without the state of the art equipment that PICU have and some of this is bought by Friends of PICU funds. In addition they provide simple comforts such as rocking chairs, blankets and clothes which help parents feel as 'normal' as possible in what will probably be the most horrific situation they will ever find themselves in.

“Please support our cause by donating some money through this appeal.”

The 10-mile race around Portsmouth’s Naval Dockyard takes place on Sunday, October 30th, when 24,000 people will be running for their chosen charities. For Uncle Dan this will be the third time he has run the race, the first when Luke was critically ill recovering from his lung operation, whilst it will be Julia’s second time.

You can support both Julia and Daniel in this very worthy cause by donating at www.justgiving.com/Julia-May1 or through collection boxes in Tanners, The Tiger Inn and No 10 or by contacting Daniel on 07967758089 and leaving a message.

PICTURE: APPEALING - Luke May with three of the dedicated nurses from Southampton PICU who nursed him at his christening in August