A DUDLEY hospital trust director is taking on a running challenge to raise funds for a baby bereavement suite.

The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust has launched a £50,000 appeal to improve the environment in which families spend time adjusting to the death of their baby.

To help boost the coffers, the trust’s director of workforce, Andrew McMenemy, is taking on the Great Scottish Half Marathon on Sunday, September 30.

As part of preparations and to raise awareness Andrew is taking part in a 10K treadmill challenge in the reception at Russells Hall Hospital on Friday, August 31 at 1pm.

He said: “This is just such an important project that I knew I wanted to do something to help.

"As I enjoy running, the Great Scottish Run seemed the ideal opportunity. By running on the treadmill in the main foyer I’m hoping to promote our appeal and also get some people throwing their change into the bucket!”

The trust is in the process of improving the bereavement room at the hospital by providing home comforts such as a double bed to enable parents to stay overnight.

In addition to structural improvements to the suite, the charity also aims to help staff by investing in specialist training to enable them to sensitively support bereaved parents, and their varying needs, in the best way possible.

The appeal will also enable staff to provide keepsakes and photographs to enable the family to build up some precious memories.

Karen Phillips, fundraising manager for the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Offering the right support to someone who is going through such a devastating time is extremely important to us.

"We would like to offer more staff specialist training to ensure that our families receive the right type of support.”

To help Andrew reach his £1,100 target, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/andrew-mcmenemy1.