UK Athletes Visit Special Care Baby Unit Ahead of Historic Island Challenge

According to the World Health Organization the first 28 days are the most delicate for a newborn with the highest risk of death. Lifesaving equipment to stabilize and treat complications that may arise from infections or preterm birth plays a crucial role in survival and recovery.

For 30 United Kingdom residents, this reality was made clear when they visited the Special Care Baby Unit at the Millenium Heights Medical Complex on Thursday, October 16. Hosted by the Sandals Foundation, the group will join 6 local athletes to bravely take on a half marathon, rainforest trek 12km run, 10km sea kayak and a grueling hike up the Gros Piton to raise £100,000 to purchase the most vital equipment needed by the hospital department.

The 2025 Sandals Foundation Island Challenge which takes place October 17 – 20 showcases the strength of the tourism network to bring the power of hope to life. The fundraiser aims to purchase a suite of equipment that includes a neonatal ventilator or life support machine, a nesting system, infant warmer, incubator, infusion pump, jaundice meter and infant blankets. This, coupled with a 1-year warranty coverage, will aid the medical team at the island’s largest public health facility to save lives.

“Each piece of equipment that has been pledged to the SCBU will significantly improve the quality of care we are able to provide for families in their most vulnerable time,” says Dr. Lashorn Christian, Head of Paediatric Department at the Millenium Heights Medical Complex . “The ventilator is a critical device for neonates, particularly those who are premature or have problems breathing. It stands as a gold standard for care and can help in a baby’s survival and recovery.”

“The Infusion pump,” Dr. Christian continued, “allows us to deliver fluids, medications, and nutrients to the newborn and the jaundice meter will help us monitor bilirubin levels which if left untreated, high levels can result in cerebral palsy, deafness as well as other neurological damage and impairment.”

For Tiger Whiteley, a UK donor and participant, the visit to the paediatric department was quite emotional. “It hit home quite powerfully because I lost my little brother when he was 23-weeks and I just saw a 23-week child in the SCBU. I’m really proud of the investment that I have contributed to this foundation, and I really respect everyone supporting this amazing cause - supporting families that are going through what my family went through 25 years ago.”

The visit Whitely says has ignited a stronger determination to complete the challenge. “I am from a fitness background but I’ve never actually run a half marathon. This is a big new challenge for me, I think the climate will be a bit of a challenge but … the experience I have just had (at the hospital) will definitely push me through.”

Now in its third year, the Sandals Foundation Island Challenge has been a movement of hope. The event, which stands as the ultimate test of physical and mental endurance has in 2024, provided support to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and in 2023, its inaugural year, to the Paediatric Unit of Mount St. John's Medical Centre in Antigua.

Mrs. Tessa Inglis, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Heights Medical Complex, expressed gratitude for the partnership noting, “The generosity of the Sandals Foundation and its partners will make a tangible difference in the care we provide to newborns in Saint Lucia. The new equipment will enhance our ability to deliver timely, high-quality care to our most vulnerable patients.”

In closing Karen Zacca, Director of Operations at the Sandals Foundation, says the event has mobilized the world. “This Challenge is in no uncertain terms a worldwide community effort.  From the generous support of donors right across the world to the local and international partners that have helped to cover critical operational costs – we are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support to strengthen paediatric health in Saint Lucia.”

Among the list of international partners making the event possible are British Airways, Mobile Media, Mail Metro Media Group, RedPill, Accord Marketing, TTG Media, TripAdvisor, Hays Travel, Hearst, Threadandneedle Media, The InPrint Group, Air Canada Vacations, and WeTransfer. Here in Saint Lucia, local partners include the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association Tourism Enhancement Fund, CPJ Saint Lucia, Island Routes, Harris Paints International, Caribbean Metals Limited, Superior Tours, Carnival Sailing, Excel Signs, Amicus Legal, Nico Tours, Grew Industries 1989 Ltd., Acado St. Lucia, Golden Egg Farms, RJB Hotel Supplies, and Heineken.