The Little Roo Neonatal Fund supports poorly and premature babies, their families and the staff who care for them on St Peter’s Hospitals' Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The charity helps fund specialist, life-saving equipment, supports families to stay close to their babies and provides additional training and wellbeing support for the staff caring for them. This support goes above and beyond what the NHS provides, helping give vulnerable babies the best possible start.

For Lily and her family, this support made a lasting difference during a time they will never forget. Now, she wants to give something back and help other families facing the uncertainty of having a baby in neonatal care. As Lily puts it, no family expects to find themselves in NICU, but for many, it becomes their whole world.

In September 2022, Lily’s little boy, Harley, arrived into the world in a way his family could never have expected. He was rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St Peter’s Hospital, where he received specialist treatment to give him the best possible chance of recovery. Lily and her family found themselves facing one of the scariest times of their lives, taking things hour by hour and hoping their tiny boy would pull through.

Lily remembers seeing Harley surrounded by wires, tubes and monitors and gradually learning what the machines, changing numbers and alarms meant. During their time on the unit, the family also witnessed first-hand the dedication of the neonatal nurses and medical team, as well as the specialist equipment needed to care for these tiny babies.

Thankfully, Harley is now Lily’s little superhero and the family will always be grateful for the care and support they received.

This November, Lily is taking on a personal challenge as part of a Going the Extra 1,000 Miles challenge, joining colleagues across the Marketing and Sales team to collectively walk 1,000 miles. Lily has committed to walking 60 miles throughout November and there’s a special reason behind that number. Space is considered to begin around 60 miles above Earth, at the Kármán line, so Lily will be walking her way towards space, one mile at a time!

But this challenge is about much more than miles. Lily is raising money for Little Roo Neonatal Fund, a charity that holds a very special place in her heart. If you’d like to support Lily’s Walk to Space and help Little Roo Neonatal Fund continue its important work, you can find out more and donate using the button below. Every contribution will help make a difference for little heroes like Harley.