Bradford Campaign Supports Families of Neonatal Patients

New initiative highlights support for families at Bradford Royal Infirmary

A new campaign titled ‘Who’s Billy Bantam?’ has been launched by the Bradford City FC Community Foundation in partnership with the Bradford Hospitals Charity. The campaign aims to raise awareness and funds for a ‘Home from Home’ facility to support families of premature and critically ill babies treated at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI).

Campaign details and objectives

The campaign features Billy Bantam, the mascot of Bradford City Football Club, alongside Baggins the Bear, the mascot of Bradford Hospitals Charity. Together, they visit various local landmarks including Ilkley Moor, Bradford Arts Centre, Darley Street Market, a Morrison’s store, and the University of Bradford stadium. The campaign film also includes a visit to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at BRI, where the mascots meet staff and highlight the work carried out in the unit.

The ‘Home from Home’ appeal seeks to fund a new accommodation facility located beside the NICU at BRI. This facility will provide families with a comfortable place to stay free of charge while their babies receive intensive care. The aim is to ease the emotional and financial burden on families during what can be a prolonged and difficult time.

Background on the ‘Home from Home’ appeal

• The appeal is a joint effort by Bradford Hospitals Charity and The Sick Children’s Trust.
• It aims to raise £3 million to build the accommodation facility.
• The facility will offer families a place to rest, cook meals, and shower close to their baby’s bedside.
• Approximately 500 families per year with babies admitted to the NICU at Bradford Royal Infirmary are expected to benefit.

Statements from organisers

Christopher Henson, Head of Communications at Bradford City FC Community Foundation, said the campaign is an opportunity to connect the community with the work of the charity and raise awareness of the NICU’s services.

Laura Riach, Director of Bradford Hospitals Charity, explained that the NICU cares for some of the most vulnerable babies, including those born as early as 22 weeks. She highlighted the challenges faced by families and the importance of having accommodation nearby during their baby’s stay in intensive care.

Additional campaign elements

• The campaign film features an original spoken word piece and music composed through a youth music project at All Star, a local creative engagement organisation.
• The soundtrack was executive produced by Munashe David Parimwa, Sean Coy, and Isaac Eden.
• Ross Elliott, Creative Industries Manager at All Star, noted the collaboration provided young people with opportunities to develop skills in music composition for media.

How to support the appeal

Members of the public can contribute to the ‘Home from Home’ appeal through donations or by participating in fundraising activities such as hosting events or taking on fundraising challenges. All funds raised will support families of premature or sick babies at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

About Baggins the Bear

Baggins the Bear is part of a programme designed to support children undergoing hospital treatment. Children receive a personalised letter and access to an animated film explaining their operation in age-appropriate language. On the day of surgery, they are given a Baggins the Bear soft toy and activity booklet to help ease anxiety. A life-size bear is present at the operating theatre entrance for photos, and children receive a bravery certificate after their operation.

For more information about the campaign and to view the film, visit the Bradford City FC Community Foundation website.