Diving force raise £3,200 (From York Press)

Diving force raise £3,200

7:40pm Wednesday 3rd September 2008

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A LIFESAVING hospital unit is set for a cash windfall – thanks to an exploit inspired by a little girl who defied the odds to survive being born 15 weeks prematurely.

Little Laila Feetenby weighed only 1lb 13oz when she was came into the world two years ago and was barely the size of her mum Toni’s hand, but a combination of her own bravery and the dedication of York Hospital’s staff saw her win her fight for life.

The traumatic experience led to Laila’s father Lee, of Rawcliffe, York, forming a group to take on a daunting charity challenge – diving to the bottom of the deepest lakes in England, Scotland and Wales in the space of just 24 hours.

Together with Laila’s godfather, Joni Garnett, and their friend, Barry Grier, they completed their task by tackling Loch Coire An Lochan in the Cairngorms, Red Tarn in the Lake District and Snowdonia’s Ffynnon Lloer with just over two hours to spare, setting a new record for the mission at the time.

Their Three Lakes Challenge efforts have now raised almost £3,200 for the hospital’s special care baby unit – more than three times the amount the trio expected to collect – which will be handed over next week.

“It went better than we could ever have hoped for,” said Joni, 29, also of Rawcliffe, who runs Poppleton roofing firm Roofs Above, where 28-year-old Lee also works.

“Although we were gutted when our record was beaten shortly afterwards, we were delighted to get through it and we’re already looking at doing another challenge next year to raise more money for charity because we’ve got the taste for it now.

“We were only able to sleep for an hour-and-a-half during the challenge, we picked up a few injuries and we were absolutely shattered by the end, but it’s all worth it for the sense of achievement and the buzz it gives you.”

But the group’s real delight comes from the money they have raised for the unit, which they hope will help its staff ensure more stories like Laila’s have a happy ending.

“The support for what we did has been incredible, and the hospital thoroughly deserves it,” said Joni.

“If it wasn’t for them, Laila wouldn’t be here now – it’s as simple as that. To see her as she is now is amazing, and it’s all thanks to the people at the baby unit. They do a fantastic job and don’t get enough recognition, so we’re just pleased to have been able to help them and we’re sure we’ll be doing it again.”

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