York Hospital Tiny Lives Appeal reaches £50,000 milestone
The aim is to make the space more comforting for families
York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity has reached a significant milestone in its Tiny Lives Appeal, collecting £50,000 just weeks after the campaign's launch.
Having started in November 2025, the appeal has hit its halfway mark thanks to overwhelming support from local residents, organisations, and businesses.
Aim of the Tiny Lives Appeal
The appeal aims to raise a total of £100,000 to fund additional furnishings and equipment for York Hospital's Neonatal Unit. Around 375 babies are cared for in the unit each year, often born prematurely or with serious health issues, requiring specialist attention.
The unit is undergoing a £2 million refurbishment to create a more calming and family-friendly space. Planned improvements include reclining chairs and twin cots for babies' comfort, height-adjustable cots to assist mothers recovering from C-sections, as well as therapeutic skylights to soften the clinical feel.
Emma Sargent, Fundraising Manager at York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity, said:
“Reaching £50,000 so quickly is an incredible achievement, and we’re really grateful to everyone who has supported the appeal so far. This milestone shows just how much our community cares about giving the smallest and most vulnerable babies the best possible start in life.”
Call to action for the remaining funds
With the campaign poised halfway, the charity is calling for ongoing support to raise the remaining £50,000. Donations of any size make a difference, and contributions above £500 will be acknowledged on a dedicated wall in the new unit.
Katie Mortimer, Matron on the Neonatal Unit, emphasized the emotional impact of the unit's environment.
“These improvements will help parents stay close to their babies, feel more comfortable, and focus on bonding and recovery together," Mortimer said.
"We are so thankful to everyone who is supporting the Tiny Lives Appeal and helping us create the very best space for our babies and families.”