The manager of Warminster Sports Centre will be taking on an inspirational charity challenge this summer to raise money for the hospital ward which saved his son’s life.
Hunter Hill was born premature on 6th August 2022 at 27 weeks and four days. He weighed just 2lbs 2oz and needed 12 minutes of CPR and was moved to RUH Bath’s Neonatal Unit (NICU) after a period on ventilation.
Hunter was too weak to be held, which meant all dad Harry Bodymore could do was reach out and gently hold his son’s small finger.
Hunter’s mum Amber Hill, who had an emergency C-section, meanwhile faced her own recovery from the birth ordeal.
Amber said, “When I was unconscious, Harry wasn’t allowed in the room and a midwife said ‘there is a chance neither of them will survive.’ Harry met Hunter for the first time when he was on ventilation. He was translucent and so tiny, about the size of two hands put together.”
After 69 days in NICU, Hunter was allowed home with his parents where he is now thriving.
Dad Harry, 26, has now decided to give back to the hospital ward’s staff with a huge charity challenge. On 5th July, he will swim in the ‘Pier-to-Pier’ challenge from Boscombe to Bournemouth as Amber, 24, and Hunter, now 2, watch on. One of Europe’s biggest open water swimming events, the route stretches 1.4 miles across the Channel.
Harry has been able to train at the pool and gym at his workplace, the Warminster Sports Centre, where he is the manager.
“In the last year I’ve really got into my swimming,” Harry said.
“I was looking to fundraise for the NICU and when I found this event I thought it was perfect. I probably swim three times a week and go to the gym around two or three times a week. To try and get myself ready for the cold I’ve gone to the Dundas Aqueduct on the way to Bath and I’m going to start training at the Vobster quarry from next month. I’ve done a couple of ice baths as well. I’m usually pretty good with the cold, so fingers crossed it won’t be too much of a shock.”
Once the money is raised – Harry’s target is £2,000 – it will go towards items the NICU is desperately in need of. Amber has reached out to the hospital staff directly who revealed they would love an additional baby apnoea monitor, a new breast pump and ear plugs for sleeping mums.
For Harry and Amber, the pier-to-pier fundraiser is just a small way to say thank you to the ‘fantastic’ ward who went above and beyond for their son. The couple feel huge gratitude to their ‘second family’ at NICU and visit each Christmas with freshly baked cakes and at Easter with chocolate eggs for staff.
Amber added, “Without the love and care from these amazing nurses alongside their amazing equipment, Hunter would not be here today.
“We’ve got such a good bond with them and it’s nice for them to know how Hunter is getting on. It’s also really special for him to know where he started off and all the people who helped him along the way.”
As well as friends and family, local businesses have also come out to support Harry’s fundraiser.
To find out more, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/amber-harry-hunter
