Dozens of midwives will dazzle city goers with a four mile vintage bike ride, in a stunning show of strength for a major Sheffield Hospitals Charity appeal. 

More than 60 maternity staff from the Jessop Wing will don costumes inspired by smash hit TV show 'Call The Midwife' in their city centre cycling dash to raise funds for the development of three new state of the art  birthing pool rooms.

The incredible combined effort coincides with the 'International Day of the Midwife'- a global event celebrating the people at the frontline of care for newborn babies and their parents. 

Midwife Amanda Muller is organising the event. She said: “I had been thinking about organising a Call the Midwife style bike ride for a while, the aim being to raise the profile of the wonderful work that we all do at the Jessop Wing.

“The idea provoked a huge positive response from colleagues and as the Birthpool Appeal is currently underway, we wanted to tie it in with that.

“A growing number of mums-to-be are choosing water as their primary pain relief when giving birth. Water is one of the simplest forms of pain relief during labour. It is non-invasive, has no side effects, can reduce the length of labour and the need for pain relieving drugs, resulting in successful infant feeding and an early return home for mum and baby. 

“This £300,000 appeal means these three new rooms will be made complete with fully accessible ergonomic pools, sympathetic décor and dimmable LED lighting to help give parents the most relaxing experience possible.

“We have a target of £10,000 – it’s a big amount – but we can do this!”

The Call the Midwife bike ride, which will take place on Saturday 5th May, is sponsored by Giant Sheffield Bike Store, keen promoters of women’s cycling. The team will be there on the day to provide support, assistance and maintenance to the riders.

The route will begin at the Jessop Wing, through to Clarkehouse Road, Rustlings Road Ecclesall Road, Collegiate Crescent and back to the finish at the Jessop Wing, where tea and cakes will be served by staff on the finish line. 

Money can be put into charity buckets on route, through individual sponsorship forms, or online donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/callthejessopmidwivesbikeride

For more information about the Jessop Wing Birthing Pool appeal, or to donate, visit www.sheffieldhospitalscharity.org.uk/jessopsappeal.