Barbecue held to say thank you to local community that helped with NICU Big Build

Luton and Dunstable University Hospital's NICU Big Build is almost complete and a barbecue was held on 8 September to say thank you to all those who have helped with the project.

Launched in February, the NICU Big Build project sent out an appeal to local tradespeople to help renovate a three bedroom house to provide accommodation for parents whose babies are being cared for on the NICU.

Located opposite the hospital, the property has been completely refurbished over the last six months, with local traders carrying out £90,000 worth of work for free. Major donations have included a new roof, a complete set of new windows, a conservatory and a fitted kitchen. The house now boasts five bedrooms, a kitchen, wet room/bathroom and a small garden space, which will be available for those parents with babies on the unit who live far from the hospital.

Bianca-Lee John, Community Fundraiser, says: "We are delighted to be in the final stages of the NICU Big Build. It is really important for us say thank you to the many traders, local businesses and volunteers, so in addition to holding the barbecue on Sunday, we have also installed a permanent mural of photographs in the property as a legacy and special thanks to everyone involved.

"We will be opening the doors to parents in early October. This project has been such an inspiring journey and we now look forward to being able to offer support to more than 420 families a year."