Michael Crawford CBE marks groundbreaking of new Bradford ‘Home from Home’

Construction begins on new home for families with a baby in neonatal intensive care at Bradford Royal Infirmary, which will open in 2027

Stage and screen legend Michael Crawford CBE joined supporters, families, hospital staff and dignitaries as work officially began on a new ‘Home from Home’ for families with premature or ill baby at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

The landmark moment marks the start of construction on the new home, which is being delivered through a partnership between The Sick Children’s Trust and Bradford Hospitals Charity.

Michael Crawford CBE, who has served as President of The Sick Children’s Trust since 1987, was joined at the groundbreaking ceremony by representatives from Bradford Hospitals Charity, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, supporters of the appeal and major contributors including The Harry and Mary Foundation, whose £1 million donation has played a transformative role in the £3 million project.

Once complete, the new ‘Home from Home’ will provide a free place to stay and vital support for families whose babies are receiving specialist care on the neonatal intensive care unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary. Located just moments from the ward, the home will include five en-suite bedrooms, shared living spaces, kitchen and laundry facilities, giving families somewhere comfortable to rest, recharge and remain together during some of the most difficult times of their lives.

The home is expected to support more than 500 families every year and will become The Sick Children’s Trust’s fourth ‘Home from Home’ in Yorkshire. Since 1993, the charity’s three existing Yorkshire homes – Magnolia House and Chestnut House support families at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, with Eckersley House serving Leeds Children’s Hospital – have supported more than 25,500 families, helping parents stay close to their seriously ill child when they need each other most.

Speaking at the event, Michael Crawford CBE said: “It is incredibly moving and hugely exciting to be here today as we officially break ground on this wonderful new ‘Home from Home’ in Bradford. For families with seriously ill and premature babies, being able to stay close to their child during treatment makes a world of difference.

“This project is only possible thanks to the remarkable partnership between The Sick Children’s Trust and Bradford Hospitals Charity, alongside the incredible generosity of supporters and funders who understand just how important it is to keep families together. To see it opening in what will be my 40th year as President of The Sick Children’s Trust makes this milestone even more special.”

Laura Riach, Charity Director of Bradford Hospitals Charity, said: “This is a hugely significant moment for Bradford and for the hundreds of families who will benefit from this incredible home in the years to come. We are proud to be working alongside The Sick Children’s Trust to create a welcoming and supportive place where families can stay close to their baby during neonatal treatment.

“We know how important it is for parents to be near their child during long and unexpected hospital stays, and this new ‘Home from Home’ will make a lasting difference for families across Bradford, Yorkshire and beyond.”

Mel Pickup, Chief Executive of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is pivotal for our local communities, for our colleagues and for our Trust as well as those who have been involved in getting us to this point. This is much-needed for the people of Bradford and beyond who we serve, and I hope we can get our new, purpose-built home from home up and running as soon as possible so we can provide a warm, welcoming space for those that really do need it.

“I’d like to extend my sincere thanks and heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed, both financially and in kind, as we’ve progressed to more than two-thirds of our fundraising target.”

The building project will be delivered by F Parkinson Ltd, the contractors appointed to construct the new facility.

Steve Jackson, Regional Director for F Parkinson Ltd, said: “We are proud to be delivering this important Neonatal Home from Home Accommodation project for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and The Sick Children’s Trust. This scheme will provide a vital, supportive environment for families during what can be an incredibly challenging time, ensuring they can remain close to their loved ones receiving care.

“At F Parkinson, we are committed to creating high-quality healthcare environments that make a real difference to people’s lives, and we are delighted to be working in partnership with the Trust to bring this much-needed facility forward.”

The new Bradford ‘Home from Home’ is being made possible by the ‘Keep Families Together’ appeal, which aims to raise £3 million to deliver the project and has raised £2.3 million to date – with £750,000 left to raise before it can be opened to families. To find out more about the appeal and how to support our new ‘Home from Home’ at Bradford Royal Infirmary, please visit bradfordhospitalscharity.org/neonatal-appeal.