Mother and her friend's determination to raise money for those who cared for her baby

Beverly Mason of Haverfordwest had her daughter Keira 32 weeks into her pregnancy and was in and out of hospitals for the first few months of her baby’s life.

Mother and daughter first stayed at the Special Care Baby Unit at Glangwili, but doctors were concerned Keira had developed an infection.

At 11 days old, she and Beverly were sent to University Hospital Wales where it was found she had sepsis.

Beverly with Keira not long after they were allowed first contact.

“To be away for that length of time and to have the staff being so supportive – it was incredible,” said Beverly.

She and her fiance Ryan Griffiths have become determined to raise as much money as they can for everyone who helped them.

“My aim has been to raise £1,000 to thank the SCIPS unit but we are now over £1,200,” added Beverly.

Her friend and neighbour Julia Maher took part in a 50-mile bike circular bike ride between Haverfordwest and St Davids.

Julia's route took her west from Haverfordwest to Broad Haven, before she navigate the coastal roads to St Davids.

The return journey took her north to Llanrhian, before she cycled back inland toward Haverfordwest.

Julia's route in the 50 mile ride.

By completing this three-and-a-half hour road race, Julia has raised more than £1,200 for SCIPS, the Special Care Infant Parent Support at the University Hospital Wales, Cardiff.

Beverly now plans to visit Cardiff and present the total to the baby and parent support unit which helped her and Keira so much.

“I feel like we have so many people to thank,” said Beverly. “SCIPS I wanted to prioritise because they saved her life really.”

Baby Keira is today fit and healthy.

She now plans to raise money for the SCBU in Glangwili, and for the Ronald McDonald House charities, which help families to maintain a degree of normal life while their child is undergoing medical treatment.

Now at seven months old, Keira is healthy and safe thanks to the support of hospital staff at Glangwili and in Cardiff.

Julia, who works in London as a private maternity nurse with high-profile clients, returns home to Haverfordwest every few weeks between jobs.

Julia with Keira before her gruelling 50 mile ride.

She started cycling more than a year ago, and has been spending time during her visits home to Pembrokeshire training for the 50-mile ride with the Haverfordwest Hornets.

Sepsis is a serious medical condition which has severely debilitating and even deadly effects.

Earlier this year, west Wales AM Angela Burns called for more early awareness of sepsis, to prevent it from killing people across the nation.

To help Julia and Beverly raise money for the SCIPS at University Hospital Wales, visit their JustGiving page.