We are thrilled to announce that Wellbeing of Women is joining the Big Give Christmas Challenge, the UK’s biggest online matched funding campaign, to raise funds for preterm birth research - and we need your help!

On Tuesday 30 November, the Christmas Challenge will go live and run for one week, during which time supporters can donate and have their contributions doubled through matched fundraising. To hit our fundraising target of £9,000, we are aiming to raise £4,500 during the Christmas Challenge. We have generously been championed by The Hospital Saturday Fund.

In the UK, 60,000 babies are born prematurely every year and complications of preterm birth are the biggest cause of death in children under 5, causing 1 million infant deaths globally.

Wellbeing of Women is currently funding four projects studying preterm birth – which occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy – looking at the causes and prevention, as well as treatments to avoid long-term disability in premature babies. One of the projects involves the development of an injectable gel that will heal adhesions in the womb lining that can cause preterm birth.

Liza Grayson, mother of two children born prematurely, explained the impact of experiencing preterm birth: “Both our children were born prematurely, and they are our little miracles. Isabella Rose was born at 28 weeks. She weighed just 2lb 6oz and fitted in the palm of my hand. I remember sitting with my husband as the medical team explained that our baby could have serious complications, breathing difficulties or even brain damage. It was the most scared I’ve ever been.”

Dr Ashley Boyle, a Wellbeing of Women researcher, said: “Premature babies are at an increased risk of brain damage, which can result in cerebral palsy, and lifelong health issues. Currently, treatments are limited and antibiotics are ineffective. It is crucial that new therapeutics are developed to prevent infection and protect the development of babies.”

By donating, you can help to save and change the lives of babies born too soon.

The Big Give Christmas Challenge goes live on Tuesday 30 November, at 12pm. Go to Saving the lives of babies born too soon. (thebiggive.org.uk) to make your donation.

Pictured: researcher Dr Ashley Boyle