The annual Born too Soon charity lunch was held at the local Hotel Antoinette in Beaufort Road, KOT on Sunday 2nd Feb 03.

The launch party was organised by Pauline Woods from the "Born too Soon" and "In SAFE Hands" charities. Both charities are based at Kingston Hospital NHS Trust and offer information and support to parents and raise money to purchase equipment.

Steven said "I am completing this "world' first human race to the Mag North Pole" departing in April 03 - hoping to raise awareness and to encourage people to donate to the Neonatal Unit
charities".

If people / companies gave a total of just say £45 ( we have worked out if you divided the 400 miles in minus 25 temperatures by the average mileage = £45 per mile! )
per family to the hospital unit - then I could achieve my aim of purchasing a decent piece of equipment for the Neonatal Units based at Kingston Hospital.

Steven was honoured in that Over 150 people attended the special event including the Chairman of the Hospital, Christine Swabey and Chief Executive Helen Chalmers and the Borough Lord Mayor.

There was in attendance both face painting / children's entertainers / buffet lunch / donated amazing balloon displays on each table along with some polar equipment on display e.g. an eight foot scaled down ! route map / tent / special walking boots / red coveralls / skis/ cooker and of course the sled that with carry all provisions.

The Walton Round Table helped out and everyone gave their valuable time for free.

Race details : www.polar-race.co.uk

See media page for published articles so far.

Donations

If you would like to donate money either to "In SAFE hands" or "BORN TOO SOON" please make cheques payable to KINGSTON HOSPITAL ENDOWNMENT FUND with the relevant charity name in brackets and send them to Pauline Woods at The Neonatal Unit, Kingston Hospital NHS Trust, Galsworthy Road, Kingston, Surrey KT2 7QB. For further information about either charity please contact Pauline Woods on 020-8974-9157 or 020-8546-7711 via Hospital Switchboard.

Gift Aid Declaration

If you are a UK taxpayer the charity can claim back 28pence for every pound donated. All you have to do is sign a form.

If payment is received at the hospital before my departure then I will offer an www.extremesteps.com badge and take it to the High Artic especially for you.

Do call me on 01932 228 773 if I can assist any more.