A TEAM of fundraisers are getting on their bikes to say thank you to the staff at Poole Hospital’s neo-natal unit.

The Rollercoaster Ride – a 385-mile bike ride from Lake Windermere back to the hospital in Longfleet Road – was the brainchild of mums Leela Senior and Cathy White, who both had children looked after in the unit.

Leela’s twins Willow and Stanley, now 19 months, were born at 26 weeks, Willow weighing 2lb 1oz and Stanley at 2lb 3oz.

They stayed in the neo-natal unit for 143 days before being allowed to return to their home in Carey Road, Moordown.

Cathy’s son Oliver, now aged nine months, was born at 26 weeks and four days weighing just 2lb 2oz, and spent 99 days in the unit.

All three babies suffered from numerous complications including chronic lung disease and heart problems and their families were keen to do something to repay the kindness and expertise of the nurses who cared for them.

Leela, 33, said: “The hospital did so much, we saw them save these babies’ lives so many times.“We thought, ‘what can we do?’ Adding all the days they were in hospital together comes to 385. So we went with that as how many miles to cycle.

“It’s a lot of effort for everybody, but they went to a lot of effort for these babies.”

Leela’s husband Anthony is taking part in the event, along with seven family members and friends, and Cathy’s husband Leighton will be driving the support van. The team is hoping to complete the distance in five days, starting on August 1.

Cathy, 32, said: “We are aiming to raise £5,000, but obviously as much as we can, for the unit which enabled us to become the parents that we are today.”

l The team is now looking for a minibus to take them to the starting point, and also for sponsorship. If you can help visit justgiv ing.com/RollercoasterRide or send a text to 70070, just type TCVF73, followed by the amount, eg TCVF73£10.