Taylor Wimpey and NHBC boost hospital neonatal unit appeal

A fundraising drive to redevelop Milton Keynes Hospital’s life-saving neonatal unit has received a cash boost from local housebuilder Taylor Wimpey and NHBC (National House-Building Council).

The Little Lives Appeal is £1,000 better off after a Charity Golf Day hosted by NHBC Central raised £500 for the good cause, which was then matched by the leading housebuilder.

The hospital’s appeal was suggested to NHBC by Taylor Wimpey employees Darren and Vanessa Dockerill, whose daughter Chloe was cared for in the neonatal unit after being born eight weeks premature in March 2010.

Vanessa, Regional Commercial Manager for Taylor Wimpey, says: “The work the neonatal unit does is absolutely amazing, providing 24-hour care for premature babies and those with serious medical conditions.

“Chloe was in there for four weeks and it was such an emotional time for us – but, we found that the staff don’t just provide amazing care for the babies, they also make it easier by giving massive support to the parents.”

Less than £70,000 is needed for the Little Lives Appeal to reach its target of £250,000 to refurbish and enhance facilities for babies and their parents.

“It’s a small unit that serves a rapidly expanding area, and so the extension is crucial,” says Vanessa, who lives with her young family in Milton Keynes.

“It’s not until you need such a service that you realise how vital it is to Milton Keynes and the surrounding area.”
The NHBC Central Charity Golf Day was held in May at the Oxfordshire Golf Club in Thame, and saw representatives from Taylor Wimpey join other housebuilding industry teams for the tournament.

Nick Cunningham, Regional Director of NHBC Central says: “It’s fantastic to be able to support such an important local charity where you immediately see the impact from the generosity of others.

“The refurbishment of the neo-natal unit is well advanced but needs every last penny to complete the essential work to help support these tiny babies in their first weeks of life.”

Taylor Wimpey has a number of new homes developments across Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire, and further information, visit taylorwimpey.co.uk.

For more information about the Little Lives Appeal people can contact Fundraising Manager Vanessa Bootle on 01908 826690 or fundraising@mkhospital.nhs.uk