A Spalding business owner is committing to support families of premature babies in memory of his baby brother.
Lewis Clarke, owner of roofing and groundworks company Evercrest Property Care Ltd, has pledged to share a proportion of company profits with the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in King’s Lynn.
The commitment includes an initial generous contribution of £250 alongside ongoing donations, with all funds supporting the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which provides specialist care for premature and critically unwell newborns.
The pledge to the QEHKL Charity and NICU is deeply personal. Lewis’ baby brother, Samuel, was born prematurely at The QEH in 2012 and sadly passed away shortly after birth.
As part of his commitment, Lewis is also helping to raise awareness of the charity’s work locally, with The QEH Charity logo now displayed on company vehicles, ensuring the cause is visible across the community he serves.
Lewis Clarke said: “The care and compassion shown by the NICU team during such a painful time is something I’ll never forget. Supporting this unit in his memory will, I hope, help other families and give them the chance for brighter beginnings.”
Lewis’s colleague Fred Cook has also been inspired to support the cause. His younger brother, who was also born prematurely, received life-saving care at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and has complex health needs due to his premature birth.
Fred said: “This donation is hopefully the first of many. NICU is very personal to me, and having the opportunity to give back is so fulfilling. The care and love that staff pour into the babies and their families is so genuine and compassionate. It is genuinely an honour to be part of the journey of The QEH’s smallest patients.”
The donation has been warmly welcomed by staff on the ward, who see first-hand the impact charitable support can make during what is often an emotional and uncertain time for families.
Dawn Collins, interim chief nurse at The QEH, said: “Kind donations such as these really do make a difference to our wards, our teams and our patients. We are truly thankful for every donation we receive and value being at the core of our local community.
“Lewis’ commitment reflects the difference local people and businesses can make by supporting services close to home, helping ensure that the youngest and most vulnerable patients, and their families, receive the care and support they need.”
