A Preston couple have raised more than £9,000 for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital as a heartfelt thank you for the lifesaving care their young son received.

Ellie and Gordon MacKay, owners of Preston Baby Sensory, launched a year-long fundraising campaign after their four-year-old son, Dougie, was admitted to hospital in February 2024 with empyema — a serious condition causing a build-up of pus between the lungs and chest cavity — as well as pneumonia and sepsis.

Dougie spent 12 nights in hospital, including eight in intensive care, before being well enough to return home. Deeply moved by the dedication and support of hospital staff, Ellie and Gordon created the ‘Dougie’s Dozen’ challenge, pledging to complete 12 fundraising activities across 12 months in recognition of Dougie’s 12 nights in hospital.

The family’s efforts were supported by their customers, who took part in themed Baby Sensory and Toddler Sense classes, including a popular mini-Olympics event. Ticket sales and donations from these activities contributed significantly to the fundraising total, which has now surpassed £9,000!

Ellie and Gordon said the challenge was their way of giving back to the hospital that cared for their son during such a critical time.

Thank you to the MacKay family and the Preston Baby Sensory community for their remarkable support!