New book scheme to help parents bond with their premature baby

A big-hearted charity has stepped in with a £3,000 donation to help launch a new book scheme for babies being cared for at Scunthorpe hospital’s newborn intensive care unit (NICU).

The League of Friends has supported a new book gifting scheme called ‘making big memories with little babies’. It is a joint initiative with Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust’s official charity, The Health Tree Foundation, North Lincolnshire Council and the North Lincolnshire Children's Literacy Trust.

Babies admitted to NICU will receive a gift pack containing a book and a CD.  Chair of the North Lincolnshire Children’s Literacy Trust Sandra Simmons said: “Reading to children in their first few days can play a vital role in their early development. We are really pleased to be working with The Heath Tree Foundation.”

The League of Friend’s donation will fund the project for the first year with donations received by Scunthorpe Pentagon Rotary, Scunthorpe Lunchtime Rotary, Happy Stars nursey, Bottesford Bunnies, Little Owls nursey, and fundraisers for NICU Emma and Lee Clay securing a second year of funding.

A special celebration event will be held in October after the launch to thank those that have given up their time to raise money.

Chairman of the League of Friends Granville Staves said: “We are delighted to be able to support this project in its first year. We have a long history supporting the hospital and are always looking for new ways to help patients. This project is a great way to support the families on our neonatal unit.”

If you would like to donate to the scheme please visit:
https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/nlagcharitablefunds/nicubookgiftscheme

HTF community champion Hayley Thompson said: “We would like to thank the league for their kind donation to help get the book gifting scheme off the ground, and hope that local businesses will sponsor the scheme in the coming year.”

If you would like to hear more about this great cause or require any further information please contact Sandra Simmons on 01724 297932 or email: childrensliteracy@northlincs.gov.uk

You can follow the progress of the neonatal book gifting project via the North Lincolnshire Children’s Literacy Trust Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NLincsLitTrust/