Noah’s Big Charity funds groundbreaking neonatal equipment at Basildon Hospital

Basildon Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has received a transformative donation of over £33,000 from Noah’s Big Charity. The funding has allowed the purchase of two advanced training tools that will help staff practise emergency procedures safely and ultimately improve outcomes for premature and critically ill babies.

The most significant of these is newborn simulation aid; a highly realistic training manikin that replicates newborn physiology – we are truly blown away be how incredible this donation is, and the benefits it’ll bring to clinical staff and patients. It can mimic breathing, crying, and other vital signs, allowing NICU nurses and doctors to practise complex emergency scenarios in a safe and controlled environment. Alongside this, the donation has also funded a Video Laryngoscope, which gives clinicians a clearer view during newborn vital airway procedures.

This latest gift builds on more than a decade of support from Noah’s Big Charity, which was founded by Richard and Lydia Hobden in memory of their son Noah. Born 15 weeks early and weighing just 1lb 15 ounces, Noah was cared for at Basildon’s NICU before sadly passing away at 91 days old in his father’s arms.

Laura Miller, Head of Nursing for Neonates said: “These advanced training aids will allow us to practise complex emergency procedures on a lifelike baby that responds just as a real newborn would. This kind of training is invaluable – it builds confidence, sharpens skills, and ultimately improves the safety and outcomes for the babies we care for. We are deeply grateful to Noah’s Big Charity for making this possible.”

Over the past 12 years, Richard has hosted 12 highly successful charity golf days, raising substantial funds to support the NICU team. These events, alongside the charity’s wider fundraising, have ensured that Noah’s legacy lives on through improved facilities and training for staff, and better outcomes for babies and families.

Clair Grayston, Head of Fundraising, Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, added: “Richard and Lydia have been steadfast supporters of our hospitals for over a decade, following the devastation of losing Noah. In recent years their donations have funded life-saving equipment including neonatal monitoring systems and a bedside stabilisation and resuscitation unit. This latest donation will further strengthen the care we can provide. Noah’s legacy is felt every day on the neonatal unit, and we are honoured to continue working alongside the Hobdens to ensure his memory brings hope to other families.”