Make Life Better for Sick Children This Christmas

Last year, nearly 2,300 babies and children relied on a ventilator to survive. That’s why we’re launching a special Christmas appeal to give children the best chance.

Imagine seeing your child fighting for their life, hooked up to a machine. For them, every breath counts.

With your help, we can fund a new ventilator for St Michael’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Bristol Children’s Hospital. It will mean more children can get the urgent treatment they desperately need.

Will you help save more lives? Support our Christmas appeal today.

Your donations help children like Mia

One person who knows just how vital a ventilator can be is Sabrina. Her daughter Mia needed emergency care after she was born.

“A ventilator saved my daughter Mia’s life. She came into the world suddenly, born by emergency c-section at 26 weeks. She weighed 770g, less than a bag of sugar. Immediately, Mia was struggling to breathe – her lungs were underdeveloped. After just seven minutes, she was put on a ventilator. She looked so tiny compared to all the wires and machines, but we knew she couldn’t survive without it.”

Sabrina, Mia’s mum

Mia is now a cheeky and happy two-year-old. This year, she’ll spend the festive season at home with her mum, Sabrina and loved ones. Unfortunately, not every child at Bristol Children’s Hospital or the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit can enjoy the same luxury.

By making a Christmas donation, you can provide life-saving intensive care for thousands of children like Mia.

Read Mia’s story

The two hospitals you help

Our special Christmas charity appeal is raising money for Bristol Children’s Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St Michael’s Hospital – the two hospitals at the heart of our charity.

By supporting the appeal, you’re about to do something amazing for sick children in the South West.

“It’s thanks to the incredible medical team that Mia not only survived but is thriving in life.”

Sabrina, Mia’s mum

The Paediatric Intensive Care Unit

Every day, two children will find themselves in need of the life-saving care of the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Bristol Children’s Hospital. Patients can be there for as little as three days. While those with more complex needs stay for weeks or months.

This incredible unit is one of the largest intensive care units for children in the UK, offering round-the-clock care to children of all ages, from newborn babies to teenagers.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

St Michael’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit cares for over 800 babies a year, from those born as early as 23 weeks to babies requiring life-saving treatment when they are born full term.

It is the only unit in the South West providing the highest level of care to ill and premature babies from across the region.

Every child deserves the best chance at life. With your help, we can provide a new ventilator for each unit.

Other ways to get involved

There are plenty of ways to get involved in our charity Christmas appeal:

Calling all festive fans who decorate their windows, houses, or gardens! Could you raise money through your Christmas display? Join our ‘Shine Bright for Bristol Children’s Hospital’ campaign.
Can’t decorate your house? Help us illuminate Bristol Children’s Hospital instead. If you’re a business or generous individual, be a part of our special light display. Sponsor a star or dazzling Gromit Unleashed design.
Or, if you’re looking to donate to charity this Christmas, simply visit our online donate page.

Whatever you decide to do, your fundraising will help save lives, not just at Christmas but all year round.