Hello, and welcome to our first ever online auction event. On this page, the money spent doesn't just make a difference to your Christmas shopping list, but to the care provision for patients currently using, and those yet to arrive at, The Oliver Fisher Neonatal Unit (OFNU) at Medway Maritime Hospital. For those of you that are lucky enough to not know what Neonatal Care, or a NICU is, this is where babies who are born prematurely or poorly (or both) come for life saving and changing care.

Our charity has been supporting the OFNU since 1985, when our founder quickly recognised the need for funds to 'top-up' the NHS budget for these tiniest of patients. We are so lucky to live in a country where public healthcare is available. However, often, there is a gap between private and public provision, and this is where we come in.

It is our belief that in their earliest and toughest days of life, our tiny patients - and their families - should have top-level services available to them. Over the years, funds raised by us have brought essential equipment, such as ventilators, invested in ground-breaking technology like Gene Drives that can prevent deafness in a micro-premmie*, built a transitional care ward so mums and babies can stay together whilst receiving care, and so much more.

But there is always more to do, and more to buy. As technology advances, as research identifies new ways to include Holistic or Family Integrated Care facilities, as the cost-of-living increases, as the local population grows; more and more babies, and their families, will rely on the extra you are helping The Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Trust provide.

So, while you bid on items for yourself or gifts for your family and friends, think of the impact you can, and will, make as you spend this festive season. We want to thank you, and whilst it may be early, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic 2025.
*micro premmie is a baby born at less than 26weeks gestation.