Kind-hearted Bradford children have presented the city’s maternity unit with generous donations of essential care items to support new mums and their babies.
Seven pupils from Lilycroft Primary School, in Manningham, attended the Women’s and Newborn Unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI), along with their Head Teacher Leah Florence, Assistant Head Leanne Holdsworth and Cover Supervisor Selma Noreen, were greeted by Chief Nurse Karen Dawber, Midwifery Director Sara Hollins, Matron Jo Beer and Midwife Sophie Wainman.
Sophie alongside colleague Kate Hurley, started the ‘maternity care cupboard’ in 2023. It offers toiletries, baby blankets and clothes donated by staff and the community. They began gathering essentials after they were unable to help a mum who needed deodorant and shampoo – but recently found the cupboard bare, so put out an appeal to the local community.
Lilycroft Primary School – and countless others in the community – responded to their recent public ‘call to action’.
Assistant Headteacher, Leanne Holdsworth, said: “At school we saw your recent request in the media for donations for the maternity cupboard and we were very keen to support such an important cause.
“Over the past two weeks, our children, parents, families and staff have been bringing in donations and we have collected a huge amount thanks to the generosity of our school community.
“We are very proud of how enthusiastically everyone has contributed. The generosity has been overwhelming and we are so proud of our parents and children.”
She continued: “As a school, we are always keen to support local fundraising and community projects and this has been a wonderful opportunity for the children to learn about helping others.
“We are delighted to be at the BRI with our pupils to bring our donations along to the hospital. It’s great that the children can see firsthand the positive impact of supporting their local community.”
The school, which has 366 pupils, brought with them a range of gifts to the BRI including, nappies, bottles, toothbrushes, toothpaste, clothes shower gel, soap, baby oil and much, much more.
Pictured above are the seven pupils from Lilycroft Primary School who recently visited the Women’s and Newborn Unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary with Head Teacher Leah Florence, Assistant Head Leanne Holdsworth and Cover Supervisor Selma Noreen.
Leanne continued: “Lilycroft Primary School is part of the Priestley Academy Trust (PAT). As part of this, we have a ‘PAT Promise’ of activities and experiences that all children experience during their time in one of our schools.
“Active citizenship is a key area of this promise, encouraging children to support their community and contribute positively to the wider world around them.”
Around 6,000 babies are born at the BRI unit every year.
Chief Nurse Karen said: “On behalf of the maternity unit and the families we care for, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to the kind-hearted children, their parents, teaching staff and families for their incredibly generous donations of essential care items.
“These thoughtful gifts will provide comfort, support and reassurance to new mums and their babies at such an important time in their lives.
“Your kindness and community spirit are truly appreciated and we are overwhelmed with your gifts and generosity.”