Loving makeover for Burnley birth suite used in difficult times

Friends of Serenity has won a £1,000 Movement for Good award thanks to nominations from the public.

The money will be spent on a refurbishment of one of the birthing rooms on Central Birth Suite at the Lancashire Women’s and Newborn Centre at Burnley General Hospital, as this is a room used by many mothers who know they are giving birth to a baby who has already died or will do at birth.

The revamp will make the room less clinical and more comfortable for the parents using it.

Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with 500 gifts of £1,000 available for donation.

Joanne Edwards, Friends of Serenity founder, said: "We are absolutely over the moon to be awarded £1000 by Ecclesiastical. The response we received in nominations from our followers and supporters has been overwhelming.

"We have quite a few projects in the pipeline, one in-particular is a revamp to a clinical room to make it more comforting for our families. Having had to use this room myself I know how much of a difference this will make. This money will contribute greatly in ensuring these are brought to fruition. Thank you so much to everyone who chose to support our charity."

Mark Hews, group chief executive at Ecclesiastical, said: “Ecclesiastical is a unique financial services group. We are owned by a charity which means all available profits can be given to the good causes that are so important to our customers.

"We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”