Sutcliffe engineer Louise Collier saw first-hand how Liverpool Women’s Hospital gave lifesaving care to her son James – now it has inspired her employer Sutcliffe to launch a fundraising drive

Liverpool civil and structural engineering firm Sutcliffe is aiming to raise more than £60,000 at a charity ball this week – inspired by a member of its own team.

Sutcliffe will hold its annual charity ball at the Titanic Hotel’s Rum Warehouse this Friday, April 19. Funds raised will be split between the Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity and the Delirium and Dementia team at Liverpool University Hospitals Charity

Its goal is to better last year’s total of £50,000 by raising over £60,000, half of which will help the Liverpool Women’s Hospital purchase a new incubator for the neonatal unit.

The other half will help fund a designated area for dementia patients to give them a break from the hospital ward and enjoy specialist activities to support their care and recovery at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.

One of the main reasons the firm chose to support the Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity was because of its very own structural engineer, Louise Collier and her son, James.

Born at just 25 weeks, James spent the earlier months of his life receiving lifesaving care from the nurses and doctors in the NICU ward. 

Louise is one of the driving forces behind the creation of the new neonatal extension at the hospital, working on the project for a number of months before going on to use the very facilities she had designed.

Sean Keyes, chief executive of Sutcliffe, said: “The NHS is the envy of the world. The jewel in the country’s crown. It’s our nation’s proudest achievement, and my relationship with the NHS runs deep.

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“With the aim of raising money for two incredible charities that do great work in the city, our charity ball is Sutcliffe’s way of saying thank you and giving back to an organisation that has helped millions of lives over the years.

“I hope that those attending on the night, as well as those reading this will be able to dig deep and help us better last year’s total and reach our target of £60,000. If we can, then families across the region will continue to receive the quality care they deserve.”

For more information about Sutcliffe’s charity ball and to donate, visit the Just Giving page for Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity and Liverpool University Hospital’s Charity.