MUSSELBURGH Athletic’s goalkeeper has kicked off a fundraising campaign in aid of children’s charities after hospital staff saved his nephew’s life.

Alasdair ‘Ally’ Adams, 26, has launched a JustGiving page for donations for Simpsons Special Care Babies (SSCB), which helps the neonatal unit based in the Simpson maternity unit, formerly the Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion, which is part of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

The volunteer-run charity is dedicated to the care of premature or sick newborn babies and the support of their families. Its main purpose is to provide equipment, facilities and support to the neonatal unit by enhancing those provided by the NHS.

Ally, from Edinburgh, who is playing his fifth season for Burgh, decided to set up the crowdfunding page, with a target of £1,000, after medical staff at the neonatal unit cared for his nephew Rory.

Rory suffered complications after he was born prematurely last October and had to spend time in an incubator.

“The staff saved his life, 100 per cent,” Ally told the Courier.

He added that Rory’s parents – his younger brother Stewart, 24, who plays for Dalkeith Thistle, and his partner Kelly, 24, also both from Edinburgh – were well looked after during their newborn son’s two months in hospital.

“It was heartbreaking for them as you don’t think this is going to happen to you,” said Ally.

“But they got to stay in a room near Rory so they could visit him regularly and were kept up to date with everything. The staff made them feel at ease.

“It is not just about raising money for the charity but also to raise awareness about how these things can happen. A few of my friends have gone through similar experiences.”

The family are planning a fundraising race night in Edinburgh in June and Kelly has signed up for the Kiltwalk in September in aid of the charities.

Ally said: “Rory got out of hospital on Christmas Day. He is doing well and is still on medication. He is a happy wee boy.

“Without the neonatal unit he would not be alive. They more than deserve any help they get.

“Hopefully none of you have ever had to visit this place but if you have then you will understand how amazing this charity and the services it provides are. Any money raised will be donated to the charities to spend however they see fit.”

Ally said his team-mates at Musselburgh Athletic had been “amazing”.

“They have donated money and sponsored horses and races for the race night,” he said.

Club manager Calvin Shand is hoping to promote the fundraising at the next home game against Dunbar at Olive Bank next Saturday (April 28). Plans could take the form of a collection bucket or programme inserts about the charity, or giving supporters the option of donating £1 for a programme, which is usually free.

A spokesperson for SSCB said: “We are extremely grateful to everyone who raises funds on our behalf.”

To donate, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/roryadams