Family continues much-loved dad’s fundraising mission for hospital unit

A Middlesbrough family has resumed a courageous fundraising mission kickstarted by their much-loved dad who sadly passed away in July 2024.

Colin Breckon and Andrea Breckon raised thousands of pounds over the last eight years as a token of gratitude to the neonatal unit at The James Cook University Hospital, for delivering and looking after their sons, Ted and Oscar.

The twins were born 12 weeks prior to their due date in 2016.

In a bid to show their appreciation for everything the staff did for them, the family organised a host of fundraising activities over several years including the Mile to Marathon, Easter and Christmas raffles and many more.

Moreover, Colin leapt forward and decided to complete the 191-mile bike ride from Edinburgh to Tynemouth this year with his friends.

However, the 53-year-old sadly passed away on Tuesday 23 July this year due to a sudden heart attack as he was preparing to take on the challenge.

But to mark Colin’s legacy who always went the extra mile in fundraising for the hospital unit, Andrea decided to pick up from where Colin left off and resume his inspiring fundraising mission.

Since September, she has been joined by her adorable twins, Ted and Oscar, who have set off to complete the enormous challenge in memory of Colin and hope to fulfil his wish of raising more funds for the unit.

Andrea said:

“The time spent in the unit as a parent is both stressful and worrying, but seeing how the nursing, healthcare and medical team look after and care for every child on the unit and support the parents made our journey and experience of the unit very reassuring and that they were in safe hands when we weren’t with the boys.”

Neonatal nurse consultant Lynne Paterson said: “Andrea and Colin as well as Ted and Oscar are all very well known to the neonatal unit staff and over the years, and we have been extremely grateful for all their fundraising efforts.

“We were all so sad to hear of Col’s (Colin) passing and our condolences go out to the family.

“It comes as no surprise to us that Andrea and the boys wish to continue that spirit of generosity despite having had the worst news imaginable. I know that I speak for all the staff when I say that we are all supporting them and will be cheering them on as they undertake their challenge.”

The neonatal unit had such a positive impact on Andrea that she decided to initially volunteer in the unit – striving to provide the same level of care and compassion she and her family received from new parents.

She added: “I am sure Colin would be proud of our boys who are doing so much for the hospital unit.”

Fundraising manager for Our Hospitals Charity Lisa Meehan said: “This is such a heartbreaking story, but it is incredible to see that Andrea, Ted and Oscar are taking this challenge on in Colin’s legacy. We would like to send our very best wishes to them – they really are inspirational.”