Two dads who had children born prematurely at Stevenage’s Lister Hospital have teamed up to organise a 12-hour rowathon to raise funds to help save more little ones who are fighting for their lives.

Glyn Doggett and Andrew Hall – who are both members of the Lister Neonatal Unit Families Group – are hosting the fundraiser at the main entrance of the hospital, and are calling on members of the public to sign up.

The event – which takes place from 9am to 9pm this Saturday, and will involve using two rowing machines loaned out by The Hub gym in Letchworth – will be raising funds for the Neonatal Unit and Special Care Baby Unit at the Lister.

Glyn, who chairs the families group and is well known in Hitchin for his Mostly Comedy exploits, said: “The Neonatal Unit will always be a place very close to our hearts because of the support it gave our children at such a difficult time.

“My son Max was born prematurely at 28 weeks and those first few weeks were critical. There aren’t any words to express just how thankful we were for the care given by all the doctors and nurses on that unit – without them we wouldn’t have the lively three-year-old we have today!

“Money raised can also make the experience of being on the unit more comfortable for parents who can spend months in there, day after day. Previous donations have paid for items such as Kangaroo Care Chairs for mothers and breast pumps.”

Andrew, whose twins Noah and Olivia spent time on the unit in 2013, added: “There will be two machines and the aim is to keep at least one going for 12 hours. Glyn and I certainly won’t be able to do it between us so any time people can give is greatly appreciated and will give us a rest!

“We are so grateful for the support from The Hub – we just hope we can complete the challenge and more importantly raise some much-needed funds for the Neonatal Unit.”

To support the pair email admin@listerneonatalunitfamiliesgroup.org – and to make a donation to the cause visit justgiving.com/fundraising/NeonatalatListerHospital.