A Chesterfield dad-of-three is undertaking a demanding cycling challenge to honour “hard working” hospital staff who took care of his premature daughter.

Dominik Souter, 37, of Newbold, is set to take on a 177-mile cycle ride from Chesterfield to Buckingham Palace to raise funds for Chesterfield Royal Hospital’s neonatal unit.

The staff at the unit supported Dominik and his partner Emma in 2019 when their oldest daughter Ivy-Jayne Souter was born six weeks premature – and had to stay in the hospital for three weeks.

Dominik, a dad-of-three said: “It was difficult and scary for us as first time parent.

Dominik Souter and his oldest daughter Ivy-Jayne Souter.

placeholder image — Dominik Souter and his oldest daughter Ivy-Jayne Souter.

"Our daughter couldn’t go home and it was scary to see her in the incubator for so many weeks.

"When you are a first time parent you don’t know what is normal, what to expect.

"The neonatal unit staff were ever so good at explaining to me and my partner what was going on, looking after our daughter, and helping to get her ready to go home.”

Now, to help raise funds and awareness for the neonatal unit, Dominik has decided to undertake the ambitious solo cycling challenge – and his finish line choice has been inspired by his daughter.

Ivy-Jayne, now 6, was born six weeks premature and had to stay in an incubator for three weeks.

Dominik, a CrossFit and cycling enthusiast, said: “My daughter is a massive fan of all princess stuff and was always fascinated about where the Queen used to live.

"That’s how we came up with the idea to ride from my house to Buckingham Palace.”

All funds raised via Dominik’s Just Giving page will be donated to the neo-natal unit to pay for any equipment and products the unit may need including items such as clothes or nappies.

Dominik added: “I want to honour the staff’s hard word and dedication to providing the best care possible to parents and children.

Dominik Souter is undertaking a demanding cycling challenge to honour “hard working” hospital staff who took care of his prematurely born daughter Ivy-Jayne.

“I hope I can raise awareness for neonatal units across the country as well as Chesterfield and raise some funds for Chesterfield unit to make sure they have everything they need.”

To ensure that he is well prepared for the demanding 177 mile cycle route, Dominik has been preparing with the help of coaches at the Project gym in Chesterfield.

He added: “I would like to give a shoutout to the Project gym for making sure my fitness is up to scratch when I am doing the challenge. Thank you.”