WORK & PLAY
SHEFFIELD ENGINEER THANKS STAFF WHO SAVED SON’S LIFE A Sheffield engineer is taking part in Sheffield Hospitals Charity’s flagship fundraiser to give something back to the doctors and nurses who saved his tiny baby son’s life. Ian Mclean, aged 44, is an engineer at Dutton Engineering and is taking part in the charity’s Jessops Superheroes event for the third time alongside wife Natalie (aged 41) and son Thomas, now aged four.
SHEFFIELD JOINERY FIRM TO EXPAND FOLLOWING LOAN FROM UK STEEL ENTERPRISE Fernwood Joinery Ltd, a Sheffield-based specialist staircase manufacturer and bespoke joinery company, is on track to increase its workforce and broaden its client base over the next 12 months, following a £40,000 loan from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE). The loan from UKSE, a subsidiary of Tata Steel committed to investing in businesses looking to grow, will enable co-directors Julian Staniforth and Mark Owen to press ahead with business expansion plans, as well as invest in a network of manufacturing professionals to increase productivity and generate faster turnover times. Currently a team of ten, the funding will lead to the appointment of an additional experienced bench joiner, with further plans to appoint a trainee apprentice over the next few months. Commenting on the deal, Julian said: “We are delighted to have received this loan from UK Steel Enterprise, which has already helped us to drive the business forward as we begin to implement our new business model. “By increasing our cash flow, we will be able to appoint a key employee and invest in partnerships with other businesses – ultimately allowing us to invest in a network of manufacturing professionals that will increase efficiency and productivity.” Alan Stanley from UK Steel Enterprise said: “Over the last 13 years Julian and Mark have worked hard to build Fernwood Joinery up from a small joiner’s workshop to a bespoke staircase manufacturer in the UK, and we are delighted to have provided this loan to assist with further growth and employment opportunities in the region. We’re looking forward to seeing their progression over the coming years.”
The family’s entry follows Thomas’ desperate fight for life after a routine pregnancy scan found a problem, prompting an emergency caesarean section. Ian said: “Natalie’s pregnancy started off in a positive and exciting way, and after all scheduled scans and tests raised no concerns, we were happily preparing for our new arrival. “Within just 30 minutes Natalie was admitted to the Jessop Wing, where she’d staying until our baby was born. I felt extremely concerned and anxious, things seemed to move very quickly and what should have been a happy occasion changed to one of uncertainty and alarm. “For the first few days everything seemed a blur. It was very strange to return home that day on my own. I knew Natalie was in good hands though. The staff were so supportive and she started to build relationships with them. “Natalie and the baby were monitored very closely in the coming weeks until Thomas’ heart rate dropped too low and the decision was made to deliver him by emergency Caesarian section. “I’d work full time throughout the week then drive straight to the hospital each night and all weekend to assist in Thomas’s care and sit with him all evening. This became the norm for me for several months, until the day finally came one Saturday when we were allowed to take him home. “This was a great day and felt brilliant but it also felt strange to leave the care of Jessop Wing where up until that moment Thomas had lived and received hands on specialist care around the clock. “Natalie and I will always continue to support the Jessop Wing and the incredible work they do. As a proud dad and having firsthand experience of the NNU, we will continue to help whenever we can so they can continue their excellent work and dedication to those who find themselves needing it.” To raise funds to help improve the care and treatment of babies and their families at the Jessop Wing, Sheffield Hospitals Charity is hosting its fifth annual Jessops Superheroes event, which has now raised more than £90k in the last four years. This year’s event, promises to be bigger and better than the last, and all involved are encouraged to wear superhero costumes to celebrate the NHS heroes who care for and save the lives of Sheffield’s tiniest patients every day. Jessops Superheroes (formally Jessops Buggy Push), sponsored by Dutton Recruitment, is a 2.5k family walk which takes place on Sunday 10 June 2018 at Graves Park at 10.30am. There is a £15 minimum sponsorship for all who take part. All who take part will be given a free superhero bib or cape.
First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk 49