Major Neonatal Unit Refurbishment Underway Thanks to WUTH Charity’s £1.1 Million Tiny Stars Appeal
The transformation of Arrowe Park Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is now underway, made possible by the incredible generosity of supporters who helped WUTH Charity raise £1.1 million through its Tiny Stars Appeal.
Launched in 2019, Tiny Stars was the charity’s first major fundraising appeal, aiming to support a transformational refurbishment of the Trust’s Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, one of only two in Cheshire and Merseyside.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which paused fundraising activity for over 18 months, the generosity of our community, corporate partners, and individual supporters has made a lasting impact. Thanks to the incredible support received through donations made to WUTH Charity, the unit’s long-awaited refurbishment is now underway.
The project will see an expansion of cot space to support more babies requiring specialist care, alongside the creation of dedicated areas for parents to rest and spend time with their new-borns. Enhanced family facilities, upgraded equipment, and a more modern, spacious environment will ensure the unit continues to deliver the highest standards of neonatal care for years to come.
Ngozi Ikoku, Fundraising Manager at WUTH Charity, said: "We would like to thank everyone who supported the Tiny Stars Appeal, from individuals and families to grant makers, local businesses, charities and community groups. Your support has helped make a difference for some of the most vulnerable babies and their families during their most critical moments of care.”
Although the Tiny Stars Appeal and its dedicated fund will officially close on 30th November 2025, in line with fundraising guidelines, its legacy will live on through the lasting improvements it has helped to create within our Neonatal Unit.
Any donations received after this date will continue to support neonatal services through our Children’s Fund, ensuring future contributions still benefit babies and families receiving specialist care.
The new neonatal intensive care unit is scheduled for completion this Autumn and a special event will be held to thank all those that supported the campaign at the opening of the new facility.
Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said: “This appeal has enabled us to transform our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and provide facilities that truly match the exceptional care our teams deliver every day. We are proud of what has been achieved for our babies and their families, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our supporters. The legacy of Tiny Stars will be felt for many years to come.”
Funds raised through WUTH Charity continue to make a meaningful difference to the lives of thousands of patients, families and staff each year.
We are now inviting ideas for our next major fundraising appeal and would love to hear suggestions from our patients, visitors, staff and wider community. If there’s an area of our hospitals you feel passionate about supporting, or if you simply want to get involved, please share your thoughts via our short survey: tinyurl.com/WUTHCharityNewAppeal, or contact the WUTH Charity team at wuth.charity@nhs.net or 0151 482 7788.
Your ideas will help shape the future of fundraising across Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge Hospitals.
Thank you for helping our tiny stars shine.
WUTH Charity, Registered Charity Number: 1050469