Marriage is a bed of nails for Flo and Jim

19/03/2008

Veteran fundraisers Flo and Jim Essex met some special babies recently when they presented a £6,000 cheque to Yeovil District Hospital’s special care baby unit. But this was no ordinary fundraising feat - the couple raised the money when they took to a double bed of nails to celebrate 60 years of marriage. The donation will pay for a special cot which helps maintain an even temperature and can be used to supply oxygen to help sick and small babies survive.

Last summer’s event was the latest in a string of daring fundraising activities undertaken by the couple who are in their 80s. Over the last 16 years they have raised around £100,000 for Yeovil District Hospital and they have even abseiled down the eight-storey tower block.

Flo and Jim -  who have been awarded an MBE for their fundraising activities - said: “We would like to thank the hundreds of sponsors over the years that have made possible the purchase of so many items of equipment. Nothing is possible without your help and support - so it is to you that thanks must go for, without you, there would be no point at all.”

The couple also raise money for St Margaret’s Hospice and Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and the PDSA.