Family's heartache as dad-of-two dies suddenly while preparing for 191-mile charity bike ride
A heartbroken family has vowed to continue the charity work of a devoted dad who raised thousands for the neonatal unit where his twin sons were cared for.
Middlesbrough couple Colin and Andrea Breckon raised thousands of pounds over the last eight years as a token of gratitude to the unit at The James Cook University Hospital, for delivering and looking after their sons, Ted and Oscar, who were born 12 weeks prematurely.
In July, Colin died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of just 53, but this wife and sons are already taking on fundraising with the boys having taken on a massive cycle challenge.
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It was a stressful and worrying moment for Colin and Andrea when the twins were born, but the kind nature of neonatal staff and the generous support offered to them provided reassurance to the couple who spent more than nine weeks at the hospital.
In a bid to show their appreciation for everything the staff did for them, the family organised a host of fundraising activities over several years including the Mile to Marathon, Easter and Christmas raffles and many more. Moreover, Colin leapt forward and decided to complete the 191-mile bike ride from Edinburgh to Tynemouth this year with his friends.
However, he sadly passed away on Tuesday, July 23 due to a sudden heart attack as he was preparing to take on the challenge. But to mark Colin's legacy, as he always went the extra mile in fundraising for the hospital unit, Andrea decided to pick up from where Colin left off and resume his inspiring fundraising mission.
Since September, she has been joined by her adorable twins, Ted and Oscar, who have set off to complete the enormous challenge in memory of Colin and hope to fulfil his wish of raising more funds for the unit.
Andrea said: "The time spent in the unit as a parent is both stressful and worrying, but seeing how the nursing, healthcare and medical team look after and care for every child on the unit and support the parents made our journey and experience of the unit very reassuring and that they were in safe hands when we weren't with the boys."
Neonatal nurse consultant Lynne Paterson said: "Andrea and Colin as well as Ted and Oscar are all very well known to the neonatal unit staff and over the years, and we have been extremely grateful for all their fundraising efforts. We were all so sad to hear of Col’s passing and our condolences go out to the family.
"It comes as no surprise to us that Andrea and the boys wish to continue that spirit of generosity despite having had the worst news imaginable. I know that I speak for all the staff when I say that we are all supporting them and will be cheering them on as they undertake their challenge."
The neonatal unit had such a positive impact on Andrea that she decided to initially volunteer in the unit – striving to provide the same level of care and compassion she and her family received from new parents. Moreover, her desire to go a step further inspired her to take up a role as a healthcare assistant and is currently pursuing a degree in nursing in the hope of returning to the same unit as a nurse.
She added: "I am sure Colin would be proud of our boys who are doing so much for the hospital unit." Anyone who would like to support the family can visit the JustGiving page to make a donation.
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