New arrivals for premature baby charity

Thursday 10 December 2020

A busy local charity has announced a number of new arrivals, including the appointment of a team of ambassadors, during a special ceremony at Government House.

The Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation launched its new ambassador programme with a reception in the house's ballroom this week.

The Lieutenant-Governor presented special pin badges to 10 Guernsey-based ambassadors and two honorary ambassadors, whose role is to raise awareness of the charity and to encourage support. Some have personal experience of premature births and have worked with the foundation before.

"The charity has achieved a good level of success with a small number of core volunteers," said Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation Chairman Richard Le Tocq. 

"The implementation of our ambassador programme ensures that we have more formal representatives of the charity to promote the activity and enhance fund raising capability. We are absolutely delighted with the cross section of skills and enthusiasm of our ambassadors and new patron."

The charity also announced the appointment of Jessica Roland, the first woman to be appointed Deputy Bailiff, as the charity’s patron.

"It was an honour to be asked to be patron of this excellent charity which gives such essential support to families of babies born premature or sick," she said. 

Pictured: Deputy Bailiff Jessica Roland was unveiled as the charity's new patron. 

The Lieutenant-Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder, was delighted to welcome the Deputy Bailiff into the role.

"It’s also been a pleasure to meet the charity’s new ambassadors and I wish them every success with their work in supporting the next phase of its development," he said.

"Together they bring a wealth of skills and enthusiasm that will be invaluable to the Foundation at what is a particularly challenging time for the third sector."

Since it was founded in 2003, the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation has raised in excess of £1,000,000. The money raised is used to purchase equipment for the Bailiwick’s neonatal unit, including items such as a cerebral monitor, incubator, ventilators and training aids, along with many smaller items.

The charity also puts together baby boxes containing many premature baby items, including clothing and nappies, as well gifts for the new baby and mother. It also assists local families and children suffering serious or life threatening conditions, and manages two, two-bedroom, furnished apartments close to the Princess Anne Hospital and the General Hospital in Southampton.

 Costing £30,000 a year to run, the charity is always looking for regular donations to help keep their housing available for families in times of need for years to come.