The continually expanding work of a charity that supports the families of sick babies receiving hospital treatment — and the nurses and doctors caring for them — has received another boost.

Clare Harris, founder and manager of the Emily Harris Foundation, received a cheque for £500 at the February meeting of Mansfield Ladies Probus Club.

The donation, presented by club president Wendy Ince (left) to Clare, was raised by members through book and raffle sales.

Clare told how the foundation was set up after the death of her daughter, Emily Harris, who was diagnosed with a serious heart condition, truncus arteriosis, during pregnancy.

Against the odds, Emily lived for nearly five months, spending much of her short life in King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton, where the charity is based, Nottingham Queen’s Medical Centre, and hospitals in Leeds and Birmingham.

Despite all the efforts of medical staff, Emily passed away on 1st February, 2007.

In memory of their inspirational baby, her determined spirit, and the wonderful care the family received from the Neonatal Unit at King’s Mill, Clare and her husband, Neil Harris, set up the foundation.

It aims to provide financial support for the unit’s staff members who want to undertake further training that is not funded or provided by the NHS — and financial relief for families with babies receiving care on the neonatal unit, such as helping parents who are unable to meet the costs of daily visits to be with their babies.

The charity also makes up welcome packs for all families and sometimes gives vouchers for them to spend at a local pub to give them a break from being in the unit all the time.

There is now a snack station, offering items that are proving very popular with families, while the foundation provides sibling bags for toddlers in the family. A toy room has been refreshed with games consoles.

Nursing chairs have been provided for cuddling babies and there is an aim to get more reclining chairs.

To help families, a chat and cake day is held on a Wednesday, while professional counsellors are available for families to talk to.

Clare told the Probus club there are three flats on the unit and the charity provides furnishings so families can stay with their babies as much as possible. More breast pumps, the creation of a donor breast milk hub, and a shop for buying small gifts are among further achievements of the foundation.

Since its launch, the charity has raised £353,729,12 and among its future expansion plans are to offer support to other hospitals.

Wendy thanked Clare for her detailed presentation and hoped the cheque would go towards making life better for those using the unit.