Noah’s Big Charity funds advanced training equipment at Basildon Hospital

A donation of over £33,000 from Noah’s Big Charity has enabled Basildon Hospital to purchase two advanced training tools that will help staff practise emergency procedures safely and ultimately improve outcomes for premature and critically ill babies.

The most significant of these is newborn simulation aid, a realistic training manikin that replicates newborn physiology. It can mimic breathing, crying and other vital signs, allowing NICU nurses and doctors to practise complex emergency scenarios in a safe and controlled environment.

The donation also funded a video laryngoscope, which gives clinicians a clearer view during newborn vital airway procedures.

This latest gift builds on more than a decade of support from Noah’s Big Charity, which was founded by Richard and Lydia Hobden in memory of their son Noah. Born 15 weeks early and weighing 878.8g, Noah was cared for at Basildon’s NICU before sadly passing away at 91 days old in his father’s arms.

Laura Miller, Head of Nursing for Neonates, said: “These advanced training aids will allow us to practise complex emergency procedures on a lifelike baby that responds just as a real newborn would. This kind of training is invaluable – it builds confidence, sharpens skills, and ultimately improves the safety and outcomes for the babies we care for. We are deeply grateful to Noah’s Big Charity for making this possible.”

Clair Grayston, Head of Fundraising, Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, added: “Richard and Lydia have been steadfast supporters of our hospitals for over a decade, following the devastation of losing Noah. In recent years their donations have funded life-saving equipment including neonatal monitoring systems and a bedside stabilisation and resuscitation unit. This latest donation will further strengthen the care we can provide. Noah’s legacy is felt every day on the neonatal unit, and we are honoured to continue working alongside the Hobdens to ensure his memory brings hope to other families.”