Alex Cann

7:00am - 10:00am

Email the studio

Cee Lo Green

Forget You

Listen Live Podcasts

Harrogate dad launches fundraiser for Harrogate Hospital Baby Unit

Friday, 19 September 2025 06:55

Jacob Lockwood (right) will be running the Yorkshire Marathon.

A Harrogate dad is taking on the Yorkshire Marathon next month to fundraise for the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Harrogate District Hospital.

Earlier this year, Jacob Lockwood and his wife welcomed their baby boy, who was born prematurely at 34 weeks.

Their son was cared for in SCBU, where the family spent time in the unit’s dedicated parent accommodation.

Jacob said the facilities made a difficult time easier, allowing them to stay close to their son while also having a space away from the hospital environment.

The unit is now aiming to enhance these facilities to better support families whose babies require extra care.

Jacob said:

“Having a child born with unexpected complications is stressful but this time was made slightly easier with the fact, as parents, we could stay “on site” in one of SCBU’s parents rooms.

“A place where home comforts are present could take us away from the “hospital environment” whilst only being across the corridor to our son.

“SCBU are looking to improve these facilities so that more families can stay with their new-borns in those stressful and difficult early days.”

Planned improvements include artwork to make rooms more welcoming, updated bathroom facilities and the creation of a third parent room so that more families can remain on site.

To support the appeal, Jacob will be running the Yorkshire Marathon on 19th October.

Jacob said he is grateful for the care his son received and hopes the fundraising will make a difference for future families.

A fundraising page set up to support the appeal has raised £270 at the time of publication. Support the campaign here.

More from Local News

Yellow weather warning for rain issued in Harrogate this weekend

A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued for the Harrogate district.
Major road closed after serious crash near Boroughbridge

The A168 in the Boroughbridge area is closed following a two-vehicle collision.
Harrogate Theatre to host Halloween murder mystery dinner

Harrogate Theatre is marking its landmark 125th anniversary with a special fundraising event.
Birstwith business to appear on Four in a Bed

A Birstwith-based holiday retreat is set to feature on Channel 4’s popular television series Four in a Bed.
Ripon swim champ rises up national rankings

A Ripon Grammar swimming star is aiming to follow her sister as an elite student athlete in the States as she rises up the national rankings.
Man arrested following stabbing at Flamingo Land

A 22-year-old man from Stockton-on-Tees has been arrested in connection with a stabbing incident at Flamingo Land Resort.
Double gold glory for Harrogate badminton star

A rising young badminton star from Harrogate clinched two gold medals in a prestigious national tournament where he played against competitors up to three years older.
Ripon footballer shines again for England

Rising football star Lottie Day marked her 16th birthday in Spain where she was selected to represent her country against one of the best sides in the world.
Seasonal colour and style at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show

Organisers of the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show are expecting bumper crowds this weekend as the show gets into full swing at Newby Hall, Ripon.
Opening date revealed for new Tesco in Ripon

The opening date has been revealed for Ripon's new Tesco, due to open later this year.
Petition launched to 'save Knaresborough Castle'

A new petition has been launched calling for urgent action to preserve Knaresborough Castle.
Recycling made easier with unified kerbside collection service

Recycling has become easier and more accessible for residents across North Yorkshire as part of a major step forward in unifying the kerbside collection service.
Flamingo Land celebrates successful crayfish release

Flamingo Land and the Yorkshire Crayfish Hatchery have reached a milestone in their "Claws for Thought" project.
No review of controversial home-to-school transport policy until next year, councillors told

A review of a controversial home-to-school transport policy will not start until next year and will be conducted by council officers rather than an independent body, councillors have been told.
Staff departures prompt bitter dispute at Ripon City Council

A bitter fall-out at Ripon City Council which has seen the resignation of the council leader and mayor was prompted by the departure of key council staff, it has emerged.
Triathlon tradition continues at school near Ripon

Cundall Manor School marked the beginning of the Michaelmas Term last week with its annual triathlon - an event involving pupils from Year 3 to Year 11.
Ripon girl's prize-winning poem branded a 'masterpiece'

A budding young writer has produced a prizewinning poem described as a 'masterpiece' by a distinguished professor of poetry.
Harrogate councillors back campaign to scrap morning bus pass ban

Harrogate Town Council has called for an end to time restrictions on disabled bus passes in the area.
Harrogate karate club bag 16 medals at European championships

Harrogate Shotokan Karate Club has returned from the JKS European Karate Championships in Copenhagen with an impressive haul of 16 medals.
Return date confirmed for Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland

Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland is set to return to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York in just a few weeks.