A couple from Annalong are hosting a charity fitness event at a local gym this weekend to raise money for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. Alison and Mark Stevenson organised the fundraiser to thank the unit for the care given to their baby son Cruz, who died in March.

Cruz was born six weeks early at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry. He was diagnosed with Down’s syndrome and, the following day, with Transient Leukaemia of Down Syndrome. Because of his condition, he was transferred urgently to the Royal Victoria Hospital for specialist treatment, including chemotherapy.

During his 12 days in the Belfast hospital, his parents made the round trip from their home multiple times, covering a total of 932 miles. Two nurses provided around-the-clock care throughout that period.

The fundraiser takes place on Saturday at T1 Fitness. Participants will use exercise bikes, rowing machines and ski machines to collectively reach a distance of 1,500 kilometres, matching the total mileage the family travelled while Cruz was in hospital. The couple have invited people to join for 30-minute sessions or simply attend and donate.

Ms Stevenson said organising the event has helped her and her husband begin to cope with their loss. She described Cruz as strong and determined, noting that he repeatedly amazed those around him. Every donation, she added, would help keep his memory alive.