A dad-of-three whose twin babies were so small when they were born they could fit in the palm of his hands has set himself a challenge to thank the people who saved them. George Burghel and wife Heather, who are also parents to two-year-old Joseph, had twins Diana and Elias a worrying 10 weeks early and they were born weighing just 3lb each.
The tiny twins were treated at three different hospitals due to complications as a result of their early arrival. Both babies were ventilated, causing anguish for their parents.
George, 39, said: “They needed urgent medical care as they were so premature and small so they were treated at hospitals in Stockport, Tameside and Preston. They had to be ventilated and suffered quite a few complications.
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Elias had to be on a ventilator for five says and Diana needed a non-invasive form of ventilation to help her breathe. Elias also had to have antibiotics for an infection, and required a blood transfusion due to severe anaemia.
They spent two weeks at Preston, and then another six weeks being cared for at Stepping Hill, and Heather says she has ‘never appreciated the NHS so much’.
"At the time they were small enough to fit one each on the palms of my hands." George, a Principal Clinical Scientist at St Mary's Hospital, now wants to give back to the hospital that is not only his work place but the lifesavers of his family.
The twins were born back in August 2016. He says: "Thankfully now there are no long-term effects and that’s thanks to the great care we received in the NICUs. They will be turning six this August and they are so lively – you wouldn’t know what they went through when they were born."
George has set himself a challenge to raise money by running 40km per week for 40 weeks in the lead up to his 40th birthday – the equivalent of running from Manchester to Milan. The incredible mission is to raise money for both Saint Mary’s Hospital Charity, specifically the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and The Christie Charity.
He said: “The two charities I’ve picked represent the medical services I’m so passionate about personally and professionally. My twins had life-saving neonatal care at two different NICUs when they were born 10 weeks early and I know many loved ones around the world who have suffered with cancer, including my own mother.
“With the work I do, I know a lot of people who work in Saint Mary’s Hospital NICU and I have nothing but the highest respect for all the staff here, throughout our family of hospitals, but particularly at NICU. I feel it’s a real honour and privilege working for the NHS.”
George says he has been an avid runner since he was young and was part of a running club back in Jordan, where he grew up. He recently returned to Jordan to visit family, even keeping up the running during his holiday. George, who lives with his family south of Manchester, said: “When I was younger I was an excellent runner and I was really fast.
“I started in January and the idea was to do 10 weeks, then have a week off, then another 10 weeks and a week off, right up until my birthday in November. But I was finding I didn’t need the rest so I think I’ll just carry on going.”
“It’s been harder now I’m older – it was especially hard when I had Covid. I managed to do 19km just running up and down the driveway. Now we’re coming into nicer weather I’m finding it easier, but obviously before November it will be rubbish weather again.
“The nicest runs have been when the weather is good but not boiling and when the twins have joined me. We’ve done 5km and 3km together and it was nice to do a slower pace with them. They were very excited when they went back to school after Covid and were able to tell their headteacher I’d been running up and down the driveaway.
“When it’s all over there will definitely be some good 40 th birthday celebrations to be had. And plenty of cake." George hopes to raise £4,000 in total - £2,000 for each charity. So far he has raised more than £1,400 for Saint Mary’s Hospital Charity and more than £3,000 in total.
Georgia Sleigh, Saint Mary’s Hospital Charity’s Community Fundraising Officer, said: “George will definitely deserve a big slice of birthday cake when he completes his challenge. We’re so grateful he has decided to fundraise for our NICU and help support other families of premature and seriously-ill babies. On behalf of the Charity Team I want to say a big ‘thank you’ to George for all his fantastic support.”
To sponsor George visit www.justgiving.com/team/George40s (or www.justgiving.com/fundraising/George-Burghel40 if you’d like your contribution to go towards Saint Mary’s Hospital Charity specifically).
