Standing on the roof of the world

Nicky Collings' nephew Rowan was born prematurely at 24 weeks. He spent eight months being cared for in the Neonatal Unit at St Thomas' before being allowed home with his family.

Nicky was inspired by the support her family received:"Without the equipment and care on the ward he certainly wouldn't be with us today."

To thank the Unit for its help and hard work she went on a two week sponsored trek in the Himalayas to raise money for equipment and services.

Nicky spent a challenging 12 days walking up to nine hours each day in the Annapurna mountain ranges of Nepal, reaching over 4,500 metres high and experiencing temperatures of up to minus 15° at night.

She was impressed by the fortitude of the families she met while walking: "The way the people in the mountains live is incredible, with no fresh running water, erratic electricity supply and open fires for heating and cooking. They walk everywhere to get provisions and grow some of their own food."

The determination of the children she met also touched her: "If they were lucky enough to be able to go to school then some had to walk for two hours there and back up steep mountain trails."

The physical hardships took their toll on Nicky: "It was tough and took a lot of energy out of the body. However I kept thinking about the fight that my nephew and the other preemie babies go through to make it and that gave me the determination to get on with it and to stop complaining about sore legs!

"It was a great experience and so wonderful to be able to give something, however small, back to the ward that saved my nephew's life."

To make a donation or find out how your legacy could help, please use the secure donation form, or contact the Fundraising Team on Tel: 020 7188 7744, e-mail: Fundraising Team.