Tunbridge Wells Hospital

Tunbridge Wells Hospital | Tonbridge Rd, Pembury, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4QJ | Kent

We developed a relationship with Pembury in the very first years of the charity being established and purchased some chairs for kangaroo care cuddles. However, due to staff changes and various factors our involvement with them seemed to pause until 2022 when a new member of our team (a prem Mum), took on a fundraising challenge for them which helped us re-ignite our relationship and gain us presence on the unit once again.

27+ weeks

Level of unit/gestation of baby

cots

Lou Mair

Sister/Matron

550

Babies treated per annum

Sidney’s Story

Tubes and monitors surrounded him. I felt so desperate to protect him. All I kept thinking was that I did this, my body let him down. The guilt weighed heavily on me, but I knew deep down it was not my fault.

Percy’s Story

From the moment our journey began, I made a promise to myself: to raise funds and awareness for the charities that supported us. Among these, Ickle Pickles played a crucial role.

Our Ambassador Gemma Collis’ Story

I just wanted to say how enormously honoured and proud I am to be named an Ambassador for the Ickle Pickles Children’s Charity!

Malik and Muna’s Story

The doctor told us that our twins had no chance of survival. Viability is 24 weeks gestation and I was only 22 weeks + 2 days.

Honey’s Story

For the first few weeks of her life, I could not hold my baby; I could not feed my baby; I felt like we were in a living nightmare.

Harry & Harley’s Story

They gave the twins a 0% chance of survival and we discussed ‘comfort care’ which basically means no medical intervention. This was unthinkable to me.

Ruby’s and Scarlett’s story

We were delighted and nervous to be having more than one baby. However, we quickly became aware of the complications of twin pregnancy and were diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome at 16 weeks

Charlotte’s story

She spent 41 days on a ventilator and it was five weeks before I could have my first cuddle with her.

Arabella’s Story

I was told that it would be likely that I would have to deliver our baby in the coming days. If we were really lucky, we would make it to 30 weeks, but they needed to find me a bed in a hospital with a level 3 neonatal unit.

Charlie’s Story

Our NICU story begins with the birth of our first son, Charlie, in March 2008. I found myself in premature labour at just 28 weeks and 2 days.

Stories

Could you share your story to raise awareness of the neonatal journey? If you’re ready to share your experience on Ickle Pickles’ website, consider our prompts to craft the unique story of your Ickle Pickle.

Current Appeals

The clinical team have requested a Biliblanket for their unit to help babies requiring small amounts of jaundice treatment.

The blanket will allow Mums to breast, bottle feed and cuddle their baby whilst they undergo the phototherapy treatment rather than separating them.

Tunbridge Wells Hospital

Phototherapy Blanket – Tunbridge Wells

£1,759

£1,800

Current NeoHero

Would you or someone you know like to volunteer as a NeoHero and support your local neonatal unit? Ickle Pickles’ NeoHeroes support NICU parents, fundraise and contribute to the relationship between the charity and their neonatal unit.

You can help parents with a newborn or baby in neonatal intensive care at one of Ickle Pickles’ coffee mornings, get involved with fundraising events or raise awareness of prematurity.

Get in touch at info@icklepickles.org if you think you could be a NeoHero.

Become a Neohero

Where Are We?

Tunbridge Wells Hospital | Tonbridge Rd, Pembury, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4QJ| Kent

Get Involved

Every bit of support counts. You can make a difference by taking on a challenge, hosting an event, or setting up a monthly donation to benefit this neonatal unit. Explore our fundraising ideas and support the one in thirteen babies born prematurely. Dive into the fun and make a difference today!

Does your company support a local charity?

Please nominate Ickle Pickles to help fund our life-saving work for sick and premature babies.

Need help running your own event?

Ickle Pickles Fundraising Contact: Michelle Benjama
Get in touch with Michelle today via email at: Michelle@icklepickles.org

Bungee jump for sick & prem babies

Looking for a thrill? Try bungee jumping! Choose from various fantastic jump locations with stretching views of London, for example, at Battersea Park or Coram’s Field, or at Tatton Park or Salford Quays (near Manchester) on several dates.

Various locations and dates available

£85 P/P