Twin cot covers and specialist camera funds supporting babies and families at the hardest of times
Thanks to the generosity and support of all those in the community who got behind our fundraising events and efforts in 2024, we have been able to start the distribution of funds raised last year, to fund some and special projects for our healthcare partners.
Play2Give’s focus as a tiny charity is particularly focused on supporting children, health, and disability causes across Oxfordshire and our mission is all about changing, transforming, and saving lives locally.
At Play2Give, our mission is certainly put into action as the difference our funds raised across the last financial year is already making an incredible difference to the lives of babies and families in the neonatal care unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital.
SSNAP – Support for the Sick Newborn and their Parents – is one of those who, over the years, has benefited from Play2Give’s hard work and fundraising efforts, from funds raised by our events like football tournaments, fundraising parties, fun days and bingo nights to the gifting of toys and gifts each Christmas for siblings and families of premature and sick babies at the NICU through Sleigh2Give, through to the provision of Easter eggs, which helps to brighten a day on Easter Day for a sibling or parent.
Thanks to being able to distribute over £23,000 from the funds we raised, after expenditure, across 2024, we are already seeing the difference our contribution is making for the benefit of families going through tough times at the unit, based in the women’s centre.
We have been able to provide £915 – which was enough to fund a twin cot tent canopy. The twin cot canopy creates the perfect space for co bedding twins, and is designed to reduce distractions like light, noise, and temperature changes, helping babies being cared for to sleep soundly and safely.
We have also been able to extend our funds too in the purchase of a specialist camera for the delivery suite, to capture the first images of babies who are separated from their mothers prior to being cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Ensuring that mothers receive a precious photograph of their newborn baby immediately after delivery, especially if the baby requires neonatal care, can significantly support maternal well being, so we are delighted to be helping in such a significant and meaningful way.
Visual contact with their baby has been shown to boost milk supply, reduce stress, and strengthen the maternal-infant bond.
Some of the lovely and heartfelt comments received from parents on social media in response to our donations, include:
“An amazing gift, my son was born and went straight to intensive care, that very first picture was so precious to me as I never saw him for 6hrs 💙”
“I was in recovery area with severe pre-eclampsia and not allowed to see my twin babies for 2 days. It was very reassuring to see the photos, thank you”
It is clear to see from these quotes from mothers who have directly felt the impact of the camera that a simple picture can make a big difference.
In total, over the years we have raised over £7,200 for the neonatal care unit, and our two latest funded projects funded solely by Play2Give will go on to make a lasting difference for many years to come.
As well as our vital funds for the neonatal care unit, we will also be able to fund a specific piece of medical equipment, or area, at the Oxford Children’s Hospital – and the final project is to be confirmed. We have been able to fund an urgent and vital specialist ambulance at £5,323 for Sobell House Hospice, and provide two pedal go-karts for children with disabilities to enjoy in a new outdoor garden at Viking House in Oxford, a PS5 with games and accessories and a sensory bubble led fish lamp for the enjoyment of teen patients staying in our sponsored patient room on the teenage ward at the Oxford Children’s Hospital, and £3,210 to transform a dull and drab room into a bright and wonderful sensory and relaxation room at Oxford Head Injury Services centre.
Thank you so much to everyone who supports the work of our charity, as P2G can only keep on raising funds and doing so much in the community for the benefit of the community thanks to the continued support we receive with events, and fundraising activities like raffles, tombolas and bake sales.