My name is Faye, and I am the Family Integrated Care (FICare) Co-ordinator at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Luton & Dunstable University Hospital, a Level 3 Neonatal Unit caring for more than 900 babies every year.

Following the opening of our brand-new NICU in November 2025, we are continuing our mission to create welcoming, supportive family spaces that truly reflect the principles of Family Integrated Care (FICare). Since February 2024, I have had the privilege of working alongside our incredible Parent Development Group (PDG) – a team of former NICU parents whose lived experiences have helped shape our new family facilities every step of the way.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, together we have raised over £20,000. This has truly been a team effort, made possible by the dedication and generosity of current and former NICU families, Former patients, Neonatal staff, local businesses, community groups and supporters who have all come together to help make a lasting difference. Every donation, fundraising event and act of kindness has brought us closer to our goal.

The funds raised have enabled us to furnish and equip our Sibling Area, Family Kitchenette, Rooming-in Rooms and Bereavement Suite, alongside purchasing home comforts that benefit both our babies and their families. We are delighted that we still have funding available, allowing us to continue purchasing additional resources and responding to the changing needs of our families as the unit continues to grow.

When we first launched this campaign, our fundraising target was £75,000. Looking back, this was perhaps an ambitious goal, so we have now reduced our target to £30,000. While we are incredibly proud of everything we have achieved so far, the family facilities will always require replenishing, replacing and updating. Continued fundraising will ensure we can maintain these welcoming spaces and provide the very best environment for the thousands of families who will use them in the years ahead.

Although fundraising naturally slowed following our move into the new unit, we now have a fantastic opportunity to grow our FICare fund once again. Love Luton RunFest has chosen L&D Charity as one of its three charities this year, and both members of staff and former NICU families will be taking part in support of our appeal. We hope this will help us continue enhancing these vital family facilities for future families.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a lasting difference. Your support will help us continue investing in resources, specialist equipment and family facilities that make our NICU feel less like a hospital and more like a home away from home.

As one of our Parent Development Group members, Jessica, beautifully said:

“Being part of the PDG has been truly rewarding, and at times overwhelming, but it really feels great to give back to this incredible team. Having the opportunity to be so involved in such an important project is a privilege and I am honoured to be part of this working group. Attention to every little detail has been thought of, and every penny truly counts in making this the best possible environment for families.”

If you would like to support our appeal or find out more, please don't hesitate to contact me at: Faye.tott@ldh.nhs.uk

Please visit the "Updates" section of this page to see the incredible fundraising events, donations and achievements that have helped us raise over £20,000 so far. Every contribution tells part of our story, and we'd love you to follow our journey, celebrate what we've achieved together and discover how you can get involved in future events.

Thank you to every individual, family, member of staff and supporter who has helped us reach this milestone. Together, we are creating a space where every NICU family feels welcomed, comforted, included and empowered throughout their journey.

- Faye 🫶🏼