Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

As the Matron for Neonatal Services in Bradford, I have the privilege of leading an incredible team caring for some of the smallest and most vulnerable babies. But I also see, every single day, a side of neonatal care that people often don’t realise exists — the hidden cost of prematurity on families.

For many of our parents, having a baby on the neonatal unit isn’t just emotionally overwhelming — it is financially devastating. Bradford serves one of the most deprived populations in the country, and families can travel long distances, often spending thousands of pounds just to be close to their baby. For some, that means choosing between being at their baby’s bedside or being able to afford food, fuel, or rent.

No parent should have to make that choice.

We know that being close to their baby isn’t a “nice to have” — it is vital. It strengthens bonding, supports breastfeeding, improves mental health, and ultimately gives babies the very best chance of a healthier future. Yet for too many families, poverty and circumstance create a barrier at the very start of their child’s life, widening inequalities before they’ve even had a chance to begin.

That’s why I am so passionate about the Bradford NICU Home from Home appeal that the Sick Children's Trust are helping to build in partnership with Bradford Hospitals Charity, with both charities working together to make this vision a reality.

This is a truly collaborative project between The Sick Children’s Trust and Bradford Hospitals Charity, combining expertise, fundraising and local commitment to deliver something transformational for families in Bradford and more broadly from across the North of England.

This project will provide free accommodation right next to our neonatal unit, allowing families to stay close to their babies during the most critical days, weeks, or even months of care. It is about dignity. It is about fairness. And it is about giving every baby — regardless of where they are born or their family’s circumstances — the best possible start in life.

By supporting this appeal, you are not just funding a building. You are helping to reduce social inequality, support parents in their most vulnerable moments, and improve long-term outcomes for children and families across our community through the joint efforts of Bradford Hospitals Charity and The Sick Children’s Trust.

Building work has already begun but we need to raise the final funds to ensure completion.

I am running the London Marathon in 2027 to stand up for these families — and I would be incredibly grateful for your support in helping us make this vision a reality.

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