Best Beginnings announces SpringBoard donor programme

SpringBoard, the major donor programme of children's charity Best Beginnings, was launched at a star-studded gala dinner in central London on 15 September. Guests included Premier League and former England footballer Peter Crouch and his wife, model and TV presenter Abbey Clancy.

The couple joined Olympic sports stars, actors and several members of the aristocracy who all came to hear about how the charity is working to reduce the severe birth inequ- alities that are a reality in the UK today. Jenny Agutter OBE and Dame Pippa Harris, star and producer of the hit television series Call The Midwife spoke with actor and director Andy Serkis, who was acting as Master of Cerem- onies for the night, about the severe health and social problems that existed in 1950s East End London portrayed in their programmes.

Alison Baum, Founder and Chief Executive of Best Beginnings, then explained that while much had improved, there was still a great deal more to be done. "There are still shocking differences in the health outcomes and life chances between babies born in the more prosperous compared with the most deprived

parts of the UK. Best Beginnings works tirelessly to give every child in the UK the best possible start in life. I'm delighted to be launching SpringBoard, a chance for our wonderful supporters to be able to pledge regular financial support for our many national programmes, to help every child have a Best Beginning."

For more information, see www.bestbeginnings.org.uk/appeal/ springboard