Enhancing care for our smallest patients and those who care for them
To mark our 30th anniversary, we are shining a light on our £30,000 Brighter Starts appeal to enhance the neonatal ward within Croydon University Hospital, to provide greater comfort and support for babies, parents, families and staff.
Every year, hundreds of families in Croydon face one of the most difficult and emotional moments of their lives when their newborn baby needs specialist care. Last year, over 400 tiny babies were born premature or sick and required treatment on the neonatal ward at Croydon University Hospital.
The ward can care for up to 22 babies at any one time. The babies may be born too early, have a low birthweight, or require specialist treatment and monitoring during the first days, weeks and months of their lives.
For families, having a baby admitted to neonatal care is an overwhelming experience. Long days spent at the hospital, uncertainty about their baby's health, and time away from loved ones can all take a huge emotional toll, which is why we need your support.
Funds raised through the appeal will help create a more comfortable and supportive environment for families during incredibly challenging times. Please donate today via our JustGiving page to make a vital difference to vulnerable newborns. Information on how you can organise a fundraiser to support the appeal is below.
“The appeal will make a real difference to parents and their families on the neonatal ward whilst they are going through a very stressful and worrying time. Your support will help make their stay as comfortable as possible whilst their babies are receiving treatment.”
Amy Douthwaite, Neonatal Consultant
The Brighter Starts appeal will help fund: 
• A state-of-the-art Bili blanket to treat newborn babies with jaundice, allowing parents to hold and bond with their baby while treatment takes place.
• A transformation of the parents' room into a warmer, cosier space where families can rest, reflect and spend precious time together.
• Facilities to safely store hot food, helping families access nourishing meals while staying close to their baby.
• Nappy-changing facilities for visiting siblings, helping young children feel included when meeting their new baby brother or sister.
• A redesigned reception area that creates a calm and reassuring welcome for families arriving on the ward.
• Improvements to the staff room, offering a restorative space to relax and recharge between caring for vulnerable babies.
Local Mum, Amy Mighalls is encouraging people to get behind Croydon Health Charity's 30 for 30 appeal following her own family's experience of neonatal care at Croydon University Hospital.
In 2023 Amy's twin babies (Max) and daughter (Maude) were born at just 25 weeks and 2 days old. Both babies received care from the Hospital's Neonatal Team. Tragically, Maude passed away. Maude's brother Max is now 2 and thriving after spending 134 days in hospital.
In September 2024, Amy ran the Berlin marathon and raised over £1,700 to purchase Neonatal positioning aids to minimise head shape difficulties and support neurodevelopmental outcomes in babies.
Amy said:
"I was keen to fundraise as I felt it was important to give back to those that helped us on our journey and continue to support babies and their families. It's rewarding to fund additional resources for such an important part of Croydon University Hospital. Please support the 30 for 30 appeal if you can!"
Every donation, no matter the size, will help improve the experience of families whose babies need neonatal care.
By supporting this appeal, you will help enhance care for Croydon’s smallest patients and those who love and care for them; making a lasting difference.
There are many ways to get involved:
• Make a donation through our JustGiving appeal page
• Take part in a "30 for 30" fundraising challenge and raise funds via your school, workplace, community group, sports club, or with family and friends.
- 30 for 30 for primary schools
- 30 for 30 for secondary schools
- 30 for 30 for community groups
For more information or to get involved, please contact:
Laura Kennedy, Head of Fundraising - laura.kennedy8@nhs.net
Clare Parish, Fundraising & Communications Officer - clare.parish@nhs.net
Choose to donate to our general fund or a named service