Reaching the fundraising total of £1m has been a huge milestone for CEO Trevor Goodall and his charity, New Life Special Care Babies and this was marked by a celebratory dinner at Dan’s in Marlborough, organised by GenSmile and Marlborough Dental Laboratories.
Amongst those invited were Neonatal Consultant Dr. Sarah Bates and some of her team from Great Western Hospital Swindon, where the story all began; a group of dental nurses and dentists who undertook the Three Peaks Challenge in the summer for the charity, and mother of twin girls, Jess Jeffrey.
Mrs Jeffrey whose twin girls were looked after at GWH said “It was so special to be part of yesterday evening celebrating your magic million, what a lovely group of people which reflects your spirit and hard work over the years. It means a huge amount to me to represent the parents of the many families impacted by all that New Life has done and you hold a special place in our family and as our friend!”
Trevor was presented with a commemorative glass bowl marking the incredible milestone of 26 years of fundraising and £1m. Dr. Sarah Bates said, “Trevor is an inspiration. After the enormous tragedy of losing his twin boys 26 years ago, it is incredible that he has devoted himself to fundraising to help so many other babies and their families. To have reached the ‘magic million’ is an immense achievement and I know it won’t stop there. The support New Life provides for neonatal units such as Great Western is quite simply lifesaving.”
GenSmile also donated £1000 to mark the occasion which will start the journey to the next £1m alongside the next chapter which is to bring a well-known figure on board as an Ambassador to take the fundraising to the next level so that hundreds more premature babies can be helped.