Dudley neonatal nurse takes on body building competition

Dudley Group NHS Charity is proud to support inspiring staff member Claire Cockburn, an advanced neonatal nurse practitioner at Russells Hall Hospital, who is taking on her first-ever bodybuilding competition at the age of 55 to raise funds and purchase equipment to support neonatal care training.

On 16th May 2026, Claire will step onto the bodybuilding stage for the first time, a personal challenge she has dreamed of pursuing but only recently found the confidence to attempt.

Claire has dedicated 25 years to the NHS, including two decades caring for babies and families on the neonatal unit.

A key part of her role is delivering neonatal simulation training, which is essential for maintaining clinical skills, confidence, teamwork and most importantly, patient safety. Simulation training allows the neonatal team to practise managing rare but critical emergency situations in a safe environment, so that when the unexpected happens in real life, the team are prepared.

Since 2011, Claire has led simulation training using a term-sized training doll. The more advanced neonatal simulation mannequins offer lifelike responses and enhanced training capabilities, which the department could benefit from but are costly.

Funds raised through this campaign will help purchase a new neonatal simulation doll, directly improving staff training and enhancing the care provided to premature and critically ill babies.

Claire said “I’m a mum of three and I play in three concert bands, so life is definitely busy, but I love my job. If taking on this bodybuilding challenge helps raise money for new neonatal training equipment, it will be absolutely wonderful and worth every moment of effort.”

By documenting her training journey and sharing her progress, Claire hopes to inspire others while raising vital funds for neonatal care. Every donation, regardless of size, will contribute to better training for staff and improved care for babies and their families.

The charity invites the community to support Claire’s journey and help ensure the neonatal team have access to the best possible training equipment: www.justgiving.com/page/claire-cockburn-5?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=020.