Couple donate ECG machine to hospital in memory of daughter
The Kingfisher Unit at Grantham Hospital has received a donation of an ECG machine in memory of a local girl who died young of heart complications.
The machine was bought with money raised for the Naomi Fund and Naomi’s parents, Dean and Michelle, presented the equipment to staff at the hospital. The machine cost £5,442.
Naomi died aged only two of heart defects and since then her parents have raised money to support those hospitals which looked after their daughter - Grantham Hospital, Great Ormond Street and Glenfield Hospital.
Dean and Michelle hold several events through the year including a Naomi Ball, which was co-founded with local man Ben Benbow, a music night and sponsored bicycle rides, including one from London to Paris.
Dean said: “The support we get has always been amazing and it’s very satisfying being able to support those hospitals which looked after Naomi. We are always keen to help the Kingfisher unit when they need a piece of vital equipment.”
Another Naomi Ball will be held at Belton Woods Hotel in September. Naomi would have celebrated her 21st birthday this year.
Heather Broadley, whose daughter Ella uses the facilities at Grantham, was full of praise for the fund-raising done by the Fardells.
Heather said: “I follow the hard work the Naomi Fund do. It’s amazing. Ella loves the outside area and does benefit from being able to play out there safely.”
Kerry Walker’s daughter Shelby also uses the Kingfisher facilities.
Kerry said: “The Naomi Fund with Dean and Michelle is just amazing. The fund-raising they do for Kingfisher goes above and beyond.
“My daughter has benefited from the equipment and the garden provided by the fund. Being able to attend Grantham for Shelby’s heart scans is fantastic as travelling can cause anxiety for her due to her disability.”
Grantham funeral director Robert Holland won a visit to the Nordoff Robin Silver Clef Awards with his partner Michelle and were able to mingle with the stars and enjoy a three course champagne dinner, after he bid for tickets at the Naomi Ball.
