Tiny Starts and Big Hearts – A Couple’s Incredible Drive to Raise Funds for Neonatal Unit at the Ulster Hospital

20th October 2025
The Clegg Family

“The Neonatal Unit will always hold a special place in our hearts. The care, compassion and support we received meant everything to us. Seeing the equipment makes every freezing carol and every mile of the Marathon so worthwhile.”

These are the words of Jamie Clegg, who along with his Wife, Susie and twin boys Finn and Thomas, made an emotional return to the Ulster Hospital Neonatal Unit with Bangor Rugby Club’s Andrew Jackson.  They presented a tandem feeding chair and twin cot, purchased from funds raised by innovative fundraising events held throughout the year.

Last December, Jamie braved the winter chill, joining his teammates from Bangor Rugby Club to sing Christmas carols topless in Belfast’s Cornmarket! – all to raise money for the Ulster Hospital Neonatal Unit and Tiny Life, both of which provide vital care and support to premature and vulnerable babies.

Since then, Jamie has continued his fundraising efforts, completing the Belfast Marathon to add to the total raised.

This cause is deeply personal for Jamie and Susie. Their twin boys, Thomas and Finn, were born on 1 August at just 28 weeks, weighing 2lb 6oz and 2lb 7oz, one minute apart. The boys spent seven weeks in the care of the dedicated Neonatal Team at the Ulster Hospital, who supported them every step of the way during those anxious early days.

The new tandem feeding chair will allow mothers of twins to feed both babies at the same time, promoting bonding and making the breastfeeding journey easier and more comfortable. The twin cot enables babies to stay side by side, just as they were in the womb, helping to regulate their heart and breathing rates, improve their sleep and support their development.

Jamie said, “It is really special to be back in the Unit to present the twin cot and tandem feeding chair, bought with the money raised through our carol singing and marathon efforts. Both pieces of equipment are so unique and we hope they bring real comfort and support to families with twins who go through what we did.”

Susie added, “When the twins were in the Unit in separate cots, it was hard knowing they had been together in my tummy, but were apart in those early days. The twin cot will make such a difference for families, knowing their babies can stay together.

“It is also incredibly difficult to breastfeed twins at the same time, so this tandem chair will make a world of difference to mums. It provides the comfort, support and encouragement that every mum of twins needs,  it is just amazing.”

Neonatal Infant Feeding Lead Cathy Flinn expressed her gratitude to the Clegg family and Bangor Rugby Club, stating, “To receive these two pieces of equipment is absolutely brilliant and will make such a difference to families of multiple babies in the Neonatal Unit.

“The tandem chair helps mums bond with their babies while feeding, which is so important for successful breastfeeding. The twin cot is also incredibly special.  When premature babies are born and separated into two incubators, it is lovely to bring them back together again. It really promotes bonding and comfort for the whole family.”

Andrew Jackson from Bangor Rugby Club commented, “Jamie captained Bangor Rugby Club for four or five years and has always been a huge part of our club family. Each year, we choose a charity to support.  After what Jamie and Susie went through with their twins, we knew we wanted to help the Ulster Hospital Neonatal Unit. It is emotional coming to the Unit and seeing the equipment that has been bought, it is just fantastic.”

Reflecting on the time spent in the Unit, Jamie added, “The support we received from the Clinical and Nursing staff was second to none. We will forever be grateful to them for the care our boys and our family received. We know that this is only a small way of thanking them and hopefully it will help to improve the experiences for twin parents and their babies in the future.”