Nottingham Forest Hosts World Prematurity Day Walk With NUH
To mark this years’ World Prematurity Day, Nottingham Forest hosted a walk around the pitch at the City Ground with staff from Nottingham Forest Community Trust, Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) and families of the babies who have spent time at the Neonatal Unit.
The walk is usually held around The Market Square, however due to COVID, this had to be moved and the club were happy to host the 50 strong crowd.
Every year, World Prematurity Day is marked on 17th November and is a global movement to raise awareness of premature birth and the sometimes-devastating impact it can have on families. One in 10 babies are born prematurely and the awareness day was first initiated in 2008.
The day is symbolised by a pair of purple socks as the colour purple stands for sensitivity and exceptionality; attendees were donned with purple balloons, purple glow sticks and fairy lights to signify this.
The group met in the main car park and were led around the pitch by Nottingham Forest Community Trust CEO, Graham Moran, BEM.
Graham said, “We’re delighted to be able to host this event at the City Ground, helping to raise awareness for a cause that is close to so many people’s hearts here at Nottingham Forest and across the city. The nursing teams representing the Neonatal Unit provide invaluable support for the families here today and many others.”
Graham continued, “All those attending this special event here today are an inspiration to us all and we look forward to welcoming them back to the City Ground in the future.”
Also in attendance were Emma Farnsworth and Sarah Bray Low Dependency Sisters at NUH Neonatal Service who said, “At both the Queens Medical Centre and the City Hospital, we are using the opportunity of World Prematurity Day to celebrate the courage of all our families and babies, the dedication and skill of the nurses, doctors and the wider team of staff who provide care, and finally the technology that enables these babies live their best lives possible.”
For more information about the Nottingham Forest Community Trust, visit www.nottinghamforestcommunitytrust.co.uk