A Bedford dad is preparing to walk over 20 miles from Luton to Bedford Hospital to raise money for the Meadowbank Neonatal Unit, where his daughter received lifesaving care after being born eight weeks early and weighing only 3lbs on 13 February.
Her dad, Lee Robertson, said the specialist team at Meadowbank gave her “the most outstanding care” during a four-week stay, while also supporting the mental wellbeing of her mum Ellie through what he said was an “emotional rollercoaster”.
“Doing your first nappy change in an incubator, with wires and tubes everywhere, is daunting,” said Lee. “The feeling of leaving your baby in hospital and going home without them is hard to describe. It’s worry, guilt and stress all rolled into one.”
But throughout it all, he said, the team at Bedford Hospital’s neonatal unit were there to guide and support the whole family, offering compassion, practical advice, and reassurance.
Meadowbank is a Level 1 Special Care Baby Unit located in the hospital’s Cygnet Wing. It employs a dedicated team of neonatal nurses and specialists who care for premature and unwell newborns.
Despite the vital work they do, Lee says the unit is often overshadowed by larger intensive care units, such as those at Luton & Dunstable Hospital, and could benefit from increased recognition and funding.
To say thank you, Lee and a team of supporters will walk from his workplace at Signature Aviation at Luton Airport to Bedford Hospital on Monday, 11 August 2025.
The route will span over 20 miles, take around 10 hours to complete, and include several uphill challenges. Every step, Lee says, is a small way to give back to the unit that helped bring his daughter home.
“Rosie was born into their care, and we’ll be forever grateful. This walk is a thank you to them, and we hope to raise enough to help other families receive the same incredible support we did.
“They look after an average of 18 babies a month. Giving them the care they need to survive.”
Lee adds that the team don’t just look after the sick or premature babies either.
“They teach the families how to be hands-on and overcome the challenges of neonatal care life, and also look after parents’ mental health with first-class support.”
Funds raised will go directly to Meadowbank to help buy specialist equipment, baby clothing and other items to support the families who rely on the unit every year.
Donations to Lee’s walk for Meadowbank can be made via Lee’s Just Giving page.
