The internationally recognised Beads of Courage programme have been empowering families on the Neonatal Unit at Leeds Teaching Hospitals to tell their baby’s story of courage for several years. To enable this amazing service to continue we need your help, to ensure all families moving forward can share this experience together.

For every milestone of treatment they are given a bead which they take home after their stay. A lasting memory for how strong they have been against adversity.

Some of the families who have received the beads have said:

'I used to love collecting the beads to show my twins' journey throughout their time in hospital.'

'Arlo will be able to see how strong he is when he's older'.

Laura Mottram, Neonatal Nursery Nurse said:

“Beads of courage is a wonderful programme that I am proud to offer to our neonatal families. Over the years I have seen Beads of Courage support and inspire many families, offering them comfort in what can often be a very stressful time. It helps parents to discuss treatments and procedures their baby has experienced. Beads of Courage is not only for Mum and Dad but also the whole family it's a great way to involve siblings in their baby’s journey, families treasure the beads and look forward to sharing their story for many years.

They bring parents together, gives them something to talk about and offers peer support which we know is extremely beneficial to families on a neonatal unit. The staff also really enjoy giving them, it's a great way to build up a rapport with families and discuss their baby’s journey and acknowledge how far they have come. It brings me a sense of pride when families attend the Beads of Courage sessions, seeing the emotion each bead brings, and supporting families through this reminds me of the difference we make every day.”

Thank you for your incredible support and generosity.