MEDICAL staff from East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust marched 15 miles in stormy weather to raise cash for a scan simulator.

Eleven set off from the Blackburn Birth Centre with the aim of reaching the Lancashire Women and Newborn Centre at Burnley General Hospital.

Setting off at 11.30am, they braved the downpours carrying collection buckets.

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Donations were also collected en-route from staff and customers at “Old Mother Redcap” who had raised £51.37 and McDonalds Accrington who also raised £75.71. McDonalds also provided a welcomed warm drink for along the way.

The team managed to raise £1,280, which will go towards the funds for the Medaphor Scan Simulator, which helps prevent still-births.

Louise Bardon, Bereavement Midwife at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust said: “A great day was had by all, with a few sore feet and aching legs to follow.

“There was a great team spirit, and an excellent representation of staff from varying disciplines within maternity. Thank you so much to everyone who supported us.”

They arrived at Burnley General Hospital at 4.40pm on November 14.

Angela O’Toole, Head of Midwifery at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “One of the causes of stillbirth is babies that have not grown appropriately.

“The Medaphor Scan trainer is a simulation tool that we can use to train our midwives and doctors in ultrasound scanning.

“This would enable us to provide growth scans in the antenatal clinic when mums-to-be come for appointments.

“Babies who aren’t growing would then be picked up at an earlier stage in pregnancy and closely monitored, rather than having to refer the mum for a growth scan with a sonographer, which can sometimes take time.”