The Fundraising Project
For 2026, we are fundraising for two neonatal wards: Reading (Buscot Ward) and Basingstoke Hospital (Neonatal Ward).
Buscot Ward requires five new incubators, and we are aiming to fundraise for one of these, helping them move closer to achieving their overall goal.
The Basingstoke Neonatal Ward is in need of one hot cot, five breast pumps, and a neonatal video laryngoscope. This vital piece of equipment supports the medical team during intubation by using a lightweight video system to guide the placement of endotracheal tubes, helping to manage the airway for mechanical ventilation.
The grand total required to fund all of this equipment is £42,500.
Jo Hilton
Lead Nurse Paediatrics
How will this help?
Early treatment is crucial for these tiny babies to minimise risks of lung damage and other related problems. Having access to a specialist ventilator immediately after birth is vital. This also reduces the chances of the baby being transferred to another hospital, often miles from home.
The Royal Berks Hospital cares for an average of 500 babies each year, the majority of which are born to mothers from the West Berks and Reading areas. They currently need five ventilators at a cost of £24,000 each. New Life is working in partnership with BIBS and The RBH to fund one of those five ventilators.
Lead Nurse Paediatrics and Neonates, Jo Hilton, said, "This new ventilator will significantly enhance our unit's capabilities. The Royal Berkshire Hospital is in dire need of new equipment, including incubators and respiratory devices. We are immensely grateful to New Life Special Care Babies for its tremendous and ongoing support and we are delighted that SPORTathon has chosen us for their 2024 project."