Our Story

The friends work really hard to raise money at fundraising at local events i.e. Carnivals, schools, raffles, marathons etc. A major source of income comes from local clubs and associations who give magnificent financial support raised from sponsored events. Also donations are received from bereaved parents.

In March 1977, led by a committee of six, £1,116.00 was raised and spent on equipment.

The next twelve months saw a further £2,013.00 raised and year on year funds have grown.

In 1983/4 an appeal was launched which resulted in the purchase of a Head Scanner at a cost of £25,000. We find the people of Derby and Derbyshire have been extremely generous to our cause.

We were established in 1976, we have raised just over £2 million pounds. The ‘Friends’ are very thankful to all individuals, companies and organisations who have fundraised for the ‘Friends’ over the years.

The work of the ‘Friends’ will always be ongoing whilst there is a Neonatal / NICU in Derby and babies need this care. We support the staff who do a wonderful job wherever we can and parents can never thank them enough.

The unit is now expanding to take more intensive ‘cots’ and this means more equipment, as well as replacing worn out ones. We continue to flourish and proud of what we have achieved and couldn't have done it without the loyal Friends who have supported the charity from the very start.