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Our Trustees

Charity Trustee Simpsons Special Care Babies

David Springford

Chair

I joined the committee with my wife in September 2017 following the premature birth of our twin boys - Jack and Ryan who were born 10 weeks early. We wanted to give something back to the unit given the excellent care that we and indeed our boys received. Sadly our son Jack did not make it home with us but we did get 5 very special weeks as a result of the efforts of all the staff and doctors.

 

My background is in graphic design and photography. I have developed & manage the charity’s website and contribute to our marketing material to help enhance the charity’s reach.

Charity Trustee Simpsons Special Care Babies

Hannah Dunlop

Secretary​

I joined the board in 2024 after experiencing first hand the care my twins, Martha and Lily received at the Simpsons Special Card Baby unit in 2022. It was due to the exemplary staff and the high quality care that we were able to take our girls home relatively smoothly and I cannot thank them enough for that.

 

I have worked in the third sector for 12 years at various charities, and currently work for a disabled children’s charity in Fundraising and Communications. I hope I can use my experience and skills to further the work of SSCB and advocate for its brilliant service.

Charity Trustee Simpsons Special Care Babies

Prof Ben Stenson

Neonatal Unit Liaison

I first worked as a junior doctor in the neonatal service in 1987.

 

I am the lead consultant for the service and, through membership of the SSCB committee, I can help to guide the funding priorities of the charity and explain the background to funding applications.

 

The additional resource provided by the charity helps us to achieve our aim of doing the best that is possible for the babies and families in our care.

Charity Trustee Simpsons Special Care Babies

Emma Coffey

Our twins - Campbell & Hamish - were born at 28 weeks in June 2021 and both received exceptional care throughout their ‘NICU Journey’. It is thanks to the wonderful staff in the neonatal unit that they came home after 80 days to their big brother, Ruaridh.

 

As the boys began to grow stronger, I noticed items and equipment within the unit wearing the SSCB logo. Possibly the fact I am a Primary School Teacher - and I like to know everything - I investigated more about the charity and I found the support they provided was fundamental. This led to our family taking on a 450 mile active fundraising challenge from Gretna Green to John o’ Groats. I was delighted to become a Trustee in December 2022, a position I am privileged to hold.

 

We, the Coffey family, are fortunate to have two healthy NICU babies. I thoroughly enjoy spending time promoting and supporting SSCB and the unique work they do to support The Simpson Neonatal Unit.

Charity Trustee Simpsons Special Care Babies

Gemma Springford

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I joined the committee with my husband in September 2017 following the premature birth of our twin boys - Jack and Ryan who were born 10 weeks early. We wanted to give something back to the unit given the excellent care that we and indeed our boys received. Sadly our son Jack did not make it home with us but we did get 5 very special weeks as a result of the efforts of all the staff and doctors.

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I work for a financial services company and volunteer my time to use my skills to benefit the charity. I have manned our stalls, spoken to school children about the charity, taken part and planning our next fundraising event.

Charity Trustee Simpsons Special Care Babies

Elaine Thow​

Deputy Chair

I have been a volunteer with the charity since 2017, making sure that the unit are supplied with quilts, bonding squares, general bedding and other specialist items required by the staff at the unit to assist with the care of the babies. I have also organised knitting groups to keep stocks up of hats, cardigans and cuddle blankets.

 

I am a retired junior school teacher and a grandmother of 8. I am a Simpsons’s baby, my children were born in Simpson’s in Lauriston Place and also 2 of my granddaughters in the new unit. I hope to bring to the charity my enthusiasm and strong communication skills to increase the awareness of the charity through school and group talks.

Charity Trustee Simpsons Special Care Babies

Dr Vix Monnelly

Neonatal Unit Liaison

I am a Consultant Neonatologist in Edinburgh, working at the Simpson's.

 

My particular areas of interest lie in newborn resuscitation, neonatal surgery and improving and developing Family Centred Care.

 

Being part of Simpson's Special Care Baby Charity allows me to help to explain the background to funding applications and to guide the funding priorities of the charity.

 

The amazing resource provided by SSCB helps us achieve our overarching aim of doing the best for each and every baby we look after on our unit and of looking after their family too.

Charity Trustee Simpsons Special Care Babies

Olivia Halvorsen-Gordon​​

Our son, Fredrik, arrived at 34 weeks and spent three weeks in the unit. The care he was given was incredible, as was the care that was given to us as parents. Reading to Fredrik everyday was a way for us to feel closer to him, particularly when he wasn’t ready to be held and the BookBugs bag was such a thoughtful gesture. 

 

I am delighted to be a trustee at SSCB, and I feel privileged to be able to support the unit, the staff, the parents and babies who are going through this challenging time.

Charity Trustee Simpsons Special Care Babies

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