I have worked at Watford General Hospital in maternity for over 20 years and have had the pleasure to support generations of new parents. In the spring of 2018 I launched the 'Watford Cots - the next generation appeal' because the cots we had for our newborns were well past their best. Some of them even pre-dated me! I was absolutely blown away by how the community responded to my request for funds, with local shops, schools, nurseries, ex-patients and other well-wishers all making generous donations. I'm delighted to say that we raised over £18,000 for the cots which are now on order (end March 19).

But there's such good will in the community and my colleagues on the ward are so grateful, that I have agreed to widen the appeal to include raising funds to buy equipment for mums giving birth in our Alexandra Birth Centre as well as other equipment for the maternity ward, like breast pumps.

So I'm working with Raise (West Hertfordshire Hospitals Charity - registered charity no 1052210) to raise funds that will benefit even more patients in Watford Hospital. Giving birth is momentous and a memory which lasts a lifetime. Our staff are amazing and with charitable support we can make bringing new life into the world an even better experience.

So, please, will you help us achieve this goal for our new mums and babies by supporting the (newly named) 'Watford Tots' appeal? Thank you so much.