A SOUTH Tyneside fitness group has thrown its weight behind a ‘lifesaving’ campaign sparked by the death of a baby girl.
Miley Turbitt was only 14 weeks old when she lost her fight for life, last November, when a heart donor could not be found in time.
Her devastated family launched ‘In Miley’s Memory’ – supported by the Gazette – to get more people to sign up for organ donation.
They are also petitioning for a change in the organ donation system, to one where a person is automatically registered unless they opt out.
Since February 11, her family has gained support from across South Tyneside for their campaign, and now South Tyneside Kettlebells has joined the cause.
The fitness group owned by Ant Clennan, which has sessions in various venues across South Shields, Boldon and Hebburn, is calling on those who attend classes to sign up to the organ donation register.
Mr Clennan said: “I have got children of my own and I would hate to be in the position Miley’s family were put in.
“I just can’t imagine what the family went through and are still going through. It’s really important what the family are doing and a really worthwhile campaign.
“We are only too happy to promote the campaign to those who come to our sessions.”
Meanwhile, support for a Facebook page, set up in memory of baby Miley, is growing.
Her mum, Sharon Eckert, 38, said: “When I first started the campaign, I had no idea it was going to be so big. So many people are talking about the campaign and offering their support.
“We all miss Miley every day, but when you hear of the support for the campaign, to us Miley is making a difference and she isn’t just another statistic.”
Miley’s Facebook can be accessed by visiting https://www.facebook.com/InMileysMemory.
A Twitter page has also been set up to promote the campaign @InMileysMemory.
Petitions are available to download at www.shieldsgazette.com, with forms to be handed in to the Gazette reception in Chapter Row no later than March 28.
Twitter: @shieldsgazlisa
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