A TRIO of doctors took part in a gruelling cycling challenge that has raised thousands of pounds for Arrowe Park Hospital's neonatal unit.

Earlier this year Dr Oliver Rackham, Dr Siwan Jones and advanced neonatal practioner Ang Albiston from Wirral Women and Children's Hospital set out on a 10,500km Tour de France ... ish.

It required each of them to cycle 3500km, the distance of the Tour de France, on exercise bikes, in aid of new life-saving equipment which will be used to help treat sick and premature babies.

They were cheered on by colleagues and grateful parents with their babies who had been cared for by the unit as they rode the last leg "into Paris" in the main entrance of Arrowe Park Hospital.

After cycling a combined total of 10,500km they are delighted to have raised almost £3200.

Wirral Globe:

Ben Wills-Eve, who was cared for by the Neonatal unit as a premature baby with Vicky Beaman, whose daughter was cared for by the unit and Matron Jacqui Morgan

Wirral's Neonatal Unit cares for around 350 babies every year who are born sick or premature in Wirral, Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales. 

Dr Oliver Rackham said: "I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us, either by donating or taking time to come and cheer us on as we crossed the 'finish line'.

"It was particularly nice to see some of our ‘graduate’ babies and parents, who really helped us to stay focused on why we started the challenge in the first place.

"Every penny we have raised will make a difference by helping to buy pieces of equipment and support training and research that will improve the quality of care we provide to some of the most fragile babies in the region.

"It was a tough challenge but we are still looking forward to planning the next one!"