A TRIP to South Tyneside by former world heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno will boost a lifesaving charity.
Bruno will be in the borough in April, and the event will help raise cash for the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital which tried to save South Shields baby Miley Turbitt.
Miley died at the age of 14 weeks while waiting for a donor heart to become available for transplant.
Her family have launched a campaign called In Miley’s Memory which aims to encourage more people to sign up to the organ donation register.
They have also launched a petition campaigning for a change in the organ donation system – to one which is automatic unless a person chooses to opt out.
Bruno, who became a national hero when he won the world title in 1995, will be at Hedworth Hall, South Shields on April 25 for an “Evening with ...” event.
During the evening, as well as Frank taking questions from the floor, an auction of boxing memorabilia will be up for grabs, with the proceeds going to Miley’s family.
Any money made during the In Miley’s Memory campaign – which is backed by the Gazette – is being donated to the unit where doctors and nurses tried so hard to save her life.
Manager of Hedworth Hall Gavin Yannetta said: “I’ve been following Miley’s campaign since it started and it is such a worthwhile cause.
“I have sons aged three and seven months, and can’t imagine what the family went through losing Miley.
“It was decided any money raised from the auction on the night will be donated to the family to give to the unit which tried to save their daughter.”
Miley’s mum, Sharon Eckert, from Westmorland Road, South Shields, said: “It’s really good of the Hedworth Hall to offer to do this for us.
“I’m really grateful for their support, and money raised will be going to a good cause.”
A limited number of tickets for the event, which cost £35 and include a pie and pea supper, are still available.
They can be obtained by calling Hedworth Hall on 456 3112.
* To sign up to the organ donation register, visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk by clicking here
Download a petition here and print it out for your friends and family to sign.
Completed forms should be handed in to the Gazette office in Chapter Row, South Shields, by March 28 or posted to the same address for the attention of Lisa Nightingale.
Twitter: @shieldsgazlisa
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