The kindness and community spirit of Bradford schoolchildren has touched staff at the city’s maternity unit after pupils donated essential care items to support new mums and babies.
Seven pupils from Lilycroft Primary School visited the Women’s and Newborn Unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary alongside Head Teacher Lean Florence, Assistant Headteacher Leanne Holdsworth and Cover Supervisor Selma Noreen to personally deliver a huge collection of donations gathered by the school community.
The group was welcomed by Chief Nurse Karen Dawber, Midwifery Director Sara Hollins, Matron Jo Beer and Midwife Sophie Wainman.
The donations were made in response to a public appeal from the hospital’s “maternity care cupboard”, which was set up in 2023 by midwives Sophie Wainman and Kate Hurley.
The cupboard provides toiletries, baby blankets, clothing and other essentials for families in need after staff realised some new mums were arriving without basic items.
The initiative began after midwives were unable to help one mother who urgently needed toiletries including deodorant and shampoo, a moment that inspired staff to ensure other families would not face the same situation again.
However, following increasing demand, the cupboard recently ran low on supplies, prompting an appeal to the local community.
Lilycroft Primary School was among those quick to answer the call.
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.”
The school, which has 366 pupils, donated a wide range of items including nappies, baby bottles, toothbrushes, toothpaste, baby clothes, shower gel, soap and baby oil.
Leanne added: “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 to the hospital. It’s great that the children can see firsthand the positive impact of supporting their local community.”
Priestley Academy Trust, which Lilycroft Primary School is part of, encourages pupils to take part in active citizenship projects to positively contribute to the wider community.
Around 6,000 babies are born at the BRI maternity unit every year, with the maternity cupboard continuing to provide vital support for families facing hardship.
Chief Nurse Karen Dawber praised the generosity shown by the children and wider school community.
“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,” she said.
“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 by your generosity.”
