Berkshire developer David Wilson Homes has donated £3,000 to BIBS (Babies in Buscot Support), a charity dedicated to helping families with critically ill and premature newborns.

Established in 1987 by parents of babies previously cared for on the Buscot Ward at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, BIBS has grown its impact significantly over the years. The charity is based at the hospital and provides crucial support to families navigating the challenges of neonatal care, offering emotional support, funding vital equipment, and improving facilities within the neonatal unit.

The small charity is run by just three part-time members of staff, and its charitable mission is to “Save Tiny Lives”. Liz Josif, Fundraising Manager at BIBS, said: “We were overjoyed to hear the news of David Wilson Homes’ donation.

“Since the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, our income has been hard hit every year, so we are immensely grateful for the donation. £3,000 is a really impactful donation to receive for a tiny charity like BIBS.

“It will ensure we can continue our work providing emotional and community support to parents at risk of post-natal depression and PTSD, whilst investing in new equipment and facilities to save tiny lives and improve the outcomes for babies and families. We’re so thankful for David Wilson Homes’ support with this contribution.

“It means the world to our charity, and to the babies and families and NHS staff we support.” The housebuilder’s donation was made as part of its Community Fund scheme via The Barratt Redrow Foundation, which is run by its parent company, Barratt Developments.

It is designed to support national and local charities, large and small, across the UK to leave a legacy in the communities in which the housebuilder operates. Campbell Gregg, Managing Director at David Wilson Homes Southern, said: “Knowing that our contribution will help ease the burdens faced by local families in such a vulnerable time is profoundly meaningful.

“It is our hope that this donation to BIBS will provide not just practical support, but also a sense of hope and solidarity to the families who need it most.” BIBS reports that 10% of babies born will require neonatal care at birth, and the most premature babies can spend over 100 days in hospital before they are well enough to be discharged home.

You can find out more about the charity or to donate by visiting the website at BIBS (Babies in Buscot Support).