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Furness Building Society Manager cycles from Barrow to Manchester

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• Cycle ride from Furness General Hospital to Royal Manchester Children's Hospital for Mary Fitzsimmons ›

Branches and Agencies Manager Barry Fitzsimmons is to cycle from Barrow to Manchester to raise funds for both hospitals who treated his daughter Mary, here Barry tells us story behind the cycle ride.  Mary was born on 24th August 2010 with Downs Syndrome. Whilst she is now enjoying a full and active life her first 6 months were extremely turbulent as she had to endured the majority of her time in hospital.

Her problems stemmed from having hypertension, heart problems and failing to thrive. During November last year Mary's health deteriorated rapidly after picking up bronchiolitis which compounded her heart problems. Her conditions resulted in an emergency transfer from Barrow to the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital where she stayed for over 31 nights. For 20 of those days she was supported by a life support machine, we were told during this time that her chances were no more than 50/50 for survival. Whilst in hospital she also had to cope with heart surgery then two collapsed lungs.  

Thankfully since January, Mary has been fit and healthy and we are now raising money for both the Children's Ward at Furness General Hospital and the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Manchester Hospital by cycling between both hospitals on the 17th September. We are doing this as a way of saying THANK YOU to both hospitals and in doing so, helping the hospitals maintain the excellent care they provide.   

Whilst all monies donated on Barry's just giving page will go to the Furness General Hospital, the total donations overall will be split between Furness General Hospital and Royal Manchester Hospital. The final amounts will be calculated using the Just Giving page totals and amounts collected from sponsor forms.  If you would like to help please visit Barry's just giving page below.

http://www.justgiving.com/Barry-Fitzsimmons/1

Thank you very much for taking time to read Barry and Mary's story.

Barry (Mary's dad)