Our Trustees
Niall McLean
Chair
I experienced first hand the amazing care provided in the Simpson’s Neonatal unit when my son Jamie was born prematurely in December 2008. My partner had developed HELLP Syndrome which lead to Jamie's early arrival at 29 weeks gestation. Jamie spent 98 days in the neonatal unit and received phenomenal care, which has enabled him to thrive and develop into a happy and healthy boy.
Our daughter, Alice, was delivered some 4 weeks early and also had a short period in the neonatal unit.
Having benefitted immensely from the care and dedication of the staff at the Simpson I was keen to lend my support to SSCB and have been a member of the SSCB committee since April 2016. I work in the Affordable Housing Development sector.
In my spare time I have manned stalls and attended fundraising events in aid of SSCB. I have also campaigned for improved perinatal mental health provision in Scotland.
David Springford
Secretary
I joined the committee with my wife in September 2017 following the premature birth of our twin boys - Jack and Ryan who were born 10 weeks early. We wanted to give something back to the unit given the excellent care that we and indeed our boys received. Sadly our son Jack did not make it home with us but we did get 5 very special weeks as a result of the efforts of all the staff and doctors.
My background is in graphic design and photography. I have developed & manage the charity’s website and contribute to our marketing material to help enhance the charity’s reach.
Prof Ben Stenson
Neonatal Unit Liaison
I first worked as a junior doctor in the neonatal service in 1987.
I am the lead consultant for the service and, through membership of the SSCB committee, I can help to guide the funding priorities of the charity and explain the background to funding applications.
The additional resource provided by the charity helps us to achieve our aim of doing the best that is possible for the babies and families in our care.
Emma Coffey
Our twins - Campbell & Hamish - were born at 28 weeks in June 2021 and both received exceptional care throughout their ‘NICU Journey’. It is thanks to the wonderful staff in the neonatal unit that they came home after 80 days to their big brother, Ruaridh.
As the boys began to grow stronger, I noticed items and equipment within the unit wearing the SSCB logo. Possibly the fact I am a Primary School Teacher - and I like to know everything - I investigated more about the charity and I found the support they provided was fundamental. This led to our family taking on a 450 mile active fundraising challenge from Gretna Green to John o’ Groats. I was delighted to become a Trustee in December 2022, a position I am privileged to hold.
We, the Coffey family, are fortunate to have two healthy NICU babies. I thoroughly enjoy spending time promoting and supporting SSCB and the unique work they do to support The Simpson Neonatal Unit.
Gemma Springford
Deputy Chair
I joined the committee with my husband in September 2017 following the premature birth of our twin boys - Jack and Ryan who were born 10 weeks early. We wanted to give something back to the unit given the excellent care that we and indeed our boys received. Sadly our son Jack did not make it home with us but we did get 5 very special weeks as a result of the efforts of all the staff and doctors.
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I work for a financial services company and volunteer my time to use my skills to benefit the charity. I have manned our stalls, spoken to school children about the charity, taken part and planning our next fundraising event.
Elaine Thow​
I have been a volunteer with the charity since 2017, making sure that the unit are supplied with quilts, bonding squares, general bedding and other specialist items required by the staff at the unit to assist with the care of the babies. I have also organised knitting groups to keep stocks up of hats, cardigans and cuddle blankets.
I am a retired junior school teacher and a grandmother of 8. I am a Simpsons’s baby, my children were born in Simpson’s in Lauriston Place and also 2 of my granddaughters in the new unit. I hope to bring to the charity my enthusiasm and strong communication skills to increase the awareness of the charity through school and group talks.
Dr Vix Monnelly
Neonatal Unit Liaison
I am a Consultant Neonatologist in Edinburgh, working at the Simpson's.
My particular areas of interest lie in newborn resuscitation, neonatal surgery and improving and developing Family Centred Care.
Being part of Simpson's Special Care Baby Charity allows me to help to explain the background to funding applications and to guide the funding priorities of the charity.
The amazing resource provided by SSCB helps us achieve our overarching aim of doing the best for each and every baby we look after on our unit and of looking after their family too.
