Two fathers hailing from Co. Armagh are leveraging a charity car show to shed light on their personal encounters with premature births. Philip Somerville and Ian Campbell, bonded by shared hardships, unite to raise awareness and funds through their heartwarming initiative.
Their sons, Jack and Bertie, faced early arrivals, undergoing care in the neonatal units of Craigavon Area Hospital and the Royal Maternity Hospital. Driven by their poignant journeys, Philip and Ian aim to establish ‘Jack & Bertie’s Car Show Bonanza’ as a memorable event with a noble cause.
Speaking of the event the families of the two boys said; “we are raising funds for the Neonatal units at Royal Jubilee Belfast and Craigavon Area Hospital to give thanks to the care and support given to our sons Jack Somerville and Bertie Campbell. While Jack and Bertie’s stories may be different, the quality of care they received was identical”.
In October 2021, Jack came into the world 10 weeks ahead of schedule, beginning his journey in the Royal Jubilee NICU for 5 days. Subsequently, he continued his progress in the Craigavon Area Hospital NICU for an additional 57 days, where he learned essential skills like bottle feeding after being weaned off oxygen.
Bertie, on the other hand, made his entrance almost 5 weeks early in February 2021 at Craigavon Area Hospital. His initial 24 hours were spent in the Neonatal unit, followed by 5 days in the main ward for observation and medication before receiving the green light for discharge.
“The nurses in both hospitals were like family to us. They had seen us at our most vulnerable. We will forever be grateful for everything the staff at both hospitals did for Jack and Bertie”.
To support the neonatal units at both hospitals, the pair of super dads are hosting an incredible car show and family fun day in Armagh on Saturday, June 1st, 2024, at The Palace Grounds, Armagh known as Jack & Bertie’s Car Show Bonanza. Your presence at the event would truly make it a memorable day!
If you’re unable to attend, any donation you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Your contribution will help us raise significant funds for the dedicated caregivers who tirelessly support our children in their most vulnerable moments.
