SHELL workers donned their Santa suits for the Liverpool Santa Dash and raised £1,000 for charity.
The employees at Shell UK (Stanlow) were collecting the cash in aid of the Countess of Chester Hospital’s Human Milk Bank Appeal.
Every year 300 babies are born in the Ellesmere Port and Chester area needing the expert support of the special care baby unit at the hospital.
Research shows that sick and premature babies can have their chances of survival and long-term development increased substantially if fed breast milk.
The support of donations of milk from other nursing mothers means these poorly babies receive sufficient quantities of this precious milk when there is a shortfall.
Shell shift team leader Keith James said: “My daughter Lillia Grace spent a significant time in the special care unit and was one of many to benefit from the human milk bank.
“Now, thanks to the care and dedication of the hospital unit staff, Lillia is a healthy, bouncing bundle of joy.”
Mr James was keen to help support other babies similar to Lillia.
And when his work workmates heard about the Santa 5km Dash, they saw it as an ideal opportunity to put on their running shoes and help generate some much-needed funds for the unit.
Mr James explained: “It was freezing cold on the day, even running in our Santa suits.
“But we had a really fun time and were thrilled with the amount we managed to raise for this worthwhile charity.”
Milk bank manager and senior neo-natal nurse practitioner Lynda Coulter said: “Although the donated milk is given freely by donors, it costs £100 to collect, test, store and process each litre of milk.
“Regular milk and monetary donations are still needed and we are extremely pleased to accept this generous donation from Keith and his fellow runners at Shell.”
