One in 13 babies are born prematurely every year in the UK
More and more babies than ever before require specialised care when they are born. Some are treated for a few days, others for several months, and a small minority never make it home. The survival rate of a premature baby was below 50% in 1975, but in 2022, the survival rate was above 95%.
These babies will need a range of intensive and special care equipment to help clinical teams treat them and help them survive. The cost of neonatal care per baby per day in a neonatal unit is £2,000.
The increasing incidence of premature birth and the improving survival rates mean incredible strains are being placed on the budgets, infrastructure and equipment being used to treat them.
Raising funds to purchase life saving equipment
Since 2009 we have raised over £4 million for intensive and special care equipment and have supported over 50 hospitals across England & Wales, plus 3 neonatal transport services.
We work with the specialist staff on the neonatal units to identify their most urgent equipment needs, running fundraising campaigns to raise these funds to be able to purchase the equipment.
To date, we have purchased over 900 pieces of equipment for these neonatal units and transport services around the country. This number grows year after year.
Supporting the wellbeing of neonatal families
As a charity, all of our front line workers have lived experience of the neonatal journey.
We support families who are on the unit or who have now been discharged home through a range of activities including peer to peer support sessions, cot side support, coffee mornings and other group activities to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing.
We understand first hand the impact of having a baby in hospital can have on your wellbeing and we are here to help support parents through this.
Every parent wants and deserves the reassurance that their baby will receive the highest quality care.
Supporting the NHS to provide lifesaving care to the most vulnerable babies and their families
We all know that the NHS is under extreme financial pressure and sadly every neonatal unit in the UK manages a list of kit they urgently need. We work closely with neonatal units to find tailored solutions and donate funds for the equipment that they most urgently need.
Through the generosity of people like you, we are able to raise funds to purchase the equipment needed.
How you can support Ickle Pickles Children’s Charity:
Small Donations. Big Impact
Help us provide vital equipment and enhance facilities for neonatal units and families. Your donation transforms the care of sick and premature babies.
Raise Money...
This could be at school, at home with your friends and family or in the community around you. Ask your teacher if you can organise a mufti day to raise funds! You can dress as superheroes or wear purple in November for World Prematurity Month. It’s a fun, simple way to support Ickle Pickles. You could organise a bake sale, a sponsored walk or a tea party, the possibilities are endless. More information on fundraising can be found here
Donate £5
For the price of a meal deal, you can fund a milk cooling bag to help mothers transport milk from home to the neonatal unit. Your contribution will offer comfort and convenience to families in need.
Donate £22
For the cost of an average 4-mile cab ride, you can provide a well-being bundle for parents in the NICU. The bundle includes a water bottle and a pair of Cuski baby comforters, bringing a touch of solace during a difficult time.
Donate £110
Did you know the average family spends at least £110 on chocolate each year? By donating this amount, you and five others can fund a Sound Ear to protect premature babies from unnecessary noise, ensuring a peaceful environment for their recovery.
Spread the word…
Tell everyone you know why you love Ickle Pickles and why you are fundraising to support these poorly babies and their families. For more information and ideas please go to www.icklepickles.org or email [email protected].
