Chester Childbirth Appeal

Fundraising

Ideas and expectations surrounding childbirth have changed in recent years, one of the main reasons for the launch of the Chester Childbirth Appeal.

Chester Childbirth Appeal is a small and vibrant charity, set up in 1991, which provides a wealth of benefits to the Women and Children's Unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital. The main objective of the charity is to provide a better start for nearly 3,000 babies born each year.

The Chester Childbirth Appeal was one of the very first charities in the country set up specifically to support the maternity unit of an NHS hospital. All funds raised are used in cost effective and appropriate ways to ensure that all mothers and babies can continue to have the very best in modern midwifery techniques and medical support, combined with the comforts associated with home. To date the appeal has achieved everything that it set out to do.

The group has raised more than £450,000 over the last 13 years, providing the Water Birth Suite, decor and furnishing of the labour and post-natal sitting rooms, the Parentcraft Room, en-suite rooms, an infant feeding room, an ante-natal waiting room, the Family Suite for bereaved parents, and the Snowdrop Room where their baby can be tended.

The group has also provided the Baby Memorial Garden, a Japanese Garden, play equipment for the Outdoor Play Appeal, and various items of medical equipment from multi purpose delivery beds to ice making machines.

Funding comes from the generous support of the local community, grants, and revenue provided by their shop, cafe, outdoor courtyard and childrenís play area known as the Comfort Zone. This hive of activity is used by patients, visitors and staff, and is run by a team of paid and volunteer staff.

Attend has provided £30,000 over a number of years to develop the staff, volunteers, services of the Comfort Zone cafe and shop which supports the Countess of Chester Hospital Women and Children's unit.

Over the coming years, the group intend to develop an adolescent unit to provide an appropriate separate environment for adolescents while in hospital, extend and upgrade the neo-natal unit, improve the environment in which newborn, sick and premature babies are nursed, and provide an enlarged Human Milk Bank.

Quotes

“Working as a volunteer at the Comfort Zone is a wonderful experience. All the staff is so friendly, cheerful and helpful to everyone. Patients must benefit from this happy relaxed atmosphere. Personally it's a joy to work here, and I also have the satisfaction of knowing that I'm helping people in need.” — Ann Tubman

“Working for the Chester Childbirth Appeal has given me great confidence in working with the public. I have made some great friends with the volunteers and staff alike. I feel honored to work for such a good cause knowing that all the hard work from everyone is helping people in need.” mdash; Becky Cross

“We are most grateful for the support we received from the staff, local businesses and individuals. We are indebted to our many hard working and loyal volunteers.” — Mrs. Pat Daniels

Contact details

Pat Daniels
01244 350755
COCH.org