Childbase Partnership teams and families in 44-day nurseries have raised a staggering £181,761 for the charity Bliss to get parents of babies born premature and sick the extra support they need in UK neonatal units.
“You are extraordinary” was the reaction from Bliss, the leading UK Charity committed to giving every baby born prematurely or sick the best chance of survival and quality of life, at a presentation ceremony at the employee-owned company’s headquarters.
The cash follows climbing challenges, sponsored walks and endless bake sales in all nurseries after over 2,000 plus employee owners adopted the charity for a year-long fund-raising and awareness drive.
“It is impossible to overstate what you have achieved and the difference this money will make to the one in every 7 babies admitted to neonatal units in the UK each year. By matching your fundraising efforts with an awareness drive you have raised the profile of the charity and the work we do ensuring the benefits continue in the future,” said Bliss Partnership Manager Owain Rees.
Top of the priority spending list for the cash raised will be putting Bliss ‘Champions’ back where they are needed in neonatal units after the pandemic reduced their number from 70 to just 20.
“Our Champion volunteers are there for parents with support and information at the most critical moment in their lives and they are there throughout the neonatal journey. It is a vital part of our work in research, campaigning and supporting health professionals working in neonatal units,” said Witney Sutherland, Bliss Partnership Officer.
Childbase Partnership Chairman and Founder, Mike Thompson, described the fundraising effort as phenomenal and a proud moment for the company before thanking colleagues and nursery parents for their commitment and generosity.
The company has adopted The Trussell Trust, a UK charity supporting a network of over 1,300 Food Bank centres providing emergency food and support for those in crisis, for a fundraising and awareness drive in 2023.
We prioritise the importance of outdoor play at Cedars Day Nursery in Leighton Buzzard. All children at our Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ nursery have access to our large, natural garden area on a daily basis as we recognise the impact that being outdoors has on a child’s social, emotional and physical development. The children enjoy planting vegetables and tasting their produce, served by our dedicated Nursery Chef.
Cedars Day Nursery, Mentmore Rd, Leighton Buzzard LU7 2PA
Tel: 01525 850200
Email: cedars.nursery@childbase.com
