The Highfield Unit Oxford is a facility providing specialist inpatient services for young people aged 11 to 18 with acute mental health needs, caring for them in the most vulnerable stage of their illness.

The staff at the Highfield looked after my daughter when she was very ill; they cared for her, nurtured her and put her on the way to recovery. They did this with a great deal of compassion as well as outstanding medical care; they picked us up during a time when our lives were turned upside down and inside out, and when we were in a place that was beyond horrible. All the staff at the Highfield held us and guided us through it; they were there for my daughter and myself, day and night, with support and advice and a much appreciated level of honesty. My daughter was very lost: they understood her, established a bond with her, brought her back. They are, quite literally, life savers.

By asking my wonderful friends and family to help me celebrate my 50th by donating here instead of giving me gifts, I am hoping to raise some funds that the Unit needs to provide the young people in their care with those extra things and equipment items that can help make their stay in the Unit a little better.