As a culmination of its fundraising efforts through its charity of the year initiative, Boots, the chemist, has raised a staggering £413,773 for baby charity, Tommy’s.

The funds will go towards Tommy’s vital research into the causes and prevention of miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth. It will also assist the charity in running its pregnancy information line – where midwives answer pregnancy-related concerns from parents-to-be and parents.

Jane Brewin, Chief Executive of Tommy’s said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Boots have helped raise such a vast sum of funds for our research and information programmes. We’re very grateful to both staff and customers for their time and generosity”.

Colette Phillips, PR Manager for charity partnerships at Boots said: "Tommy's is a charity that our customers and staff love to support so we are extremely pleased with the success of the partnership.  We know the funds raised will really make a difference to the work that Tommy's do and the vital services they provide".

The charity of the year initiative with Tommy’s began in March 2004 and resulted in four pin badge campaigns in Boots stores across the UK. In addition, Tommy’s received funds from the sale of Boot’s Christmas cards and wrapping paper.

Boots have also supported Tommy’s through its annual pregnancy health awareness campaign, National Pregnancy Week. In September 2004, Boots held pregnancy awareness days in stores across the UK where baby experts were on-hand to answer customers’ pregnancy-related queries.

-ENDS-

For further information/ arrange interviews, please contact Tommy’s press office:

Ash Anand on 020 7398 3440 aanand@tommys.org

Tommy’s, the baby charity

Tommy’s, the baby charity was set up in 1992 and through a national programme of research aims to end the heartache caused by premature birth, stillbirth and miscarriage.  It also provides information on healthy pregnancy to parents and health professionals. For further information visit www.tommys.org or call the pregnancy information line on 0870 777 30 60.

Tommy’s, the baby charity, is working on upcoming TV documentaries about what it’s really like to be pregnant and become a parent. Producers are looking to hear from parents-to-be or parents of babies or young children.   

The documentaries aim to portray honest feelings and revelations about pregnancy and the responsibilities of parenthood. From what you feel, what you’re not supposed to feel (but do) and all the other issues that nobody warns you about – these documentaries want to cover it.

So if you’re pregnant, or already a mother or a father, and would like to find out more, then please contact Tommy’s.

Tommy’s Press office:

Ash Anand on 020 7398 3440, aanand@tommys.org

- ENDS -

Tommy’s, the baby charity was set up in 1992 and through a national programme of research aims to end the heartache caused by premature birth, stillbirth and miscarriage.  It also provides information on healthy pregnancy to parents-to-be and health professionals.

For further information please visit www.tommys.org or call 08707 70 70 70.

To launch the 10^th anniversary of Tommy’s National Pregnancy Week, the charity is running Romper Stomp - a fun 5K walk for families and friends on Sunday 4^th September 2005 at 11am in Richmond Park, London.

A surprise celebrity supporter will be leading the walk and Tommy’s is looking for more if its supporters to get involved. To register, all Tommy’s are asking is that you pledge to raise £35 by taking part (children aren’t expected to raise any sponsorship money). All funds raised will go towards Tommy’s vital research into the prevention of miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth. 

For more information or to put your name down for the walk, please visit www.tommys.org. You can also call either Ash or Diana on 08707 70 70 70 or email aanand@tommys.org or dstenning@tommys.org.

Tommy’s Chief Executive, Jane Brewin, says, “Tommy’s Romper Stomp is going to be a great event for families and friends to get involved with. As well as having a fun day out, our supporters will be helping to raise funds for Tommy’s crucial research, which will mean more babies will be born healthy and at full-term in the future”.

In the UK alone, 1 in 4 women experience miscarriage. As well as this, every day in this country, 10 babies are stillborn and 125 are born prematurely. Tommy’s strives to lower these numbers, via its research, to ensure that more babies’ lives can be saved.

Now in its 10th year, National Pregnancy Week is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of good pregnancy health to mums-to-be and their partners. In 2004 it attracted coverage in two TV programmes, 11 national newspapers and 97 regional papers plus magazines and radio media. Celebrity support included singer Sophie Ellis Bextor, Julia Carling, Hermione Norris and Carol Decker.

– ENDS –

NOTES TO EDITORS:

For further information, please contact Tommy’s Press Office:

Ash Anand on 020 7398 3440 or aanand@tommys.org

Tommy’s, the baby charity was set up in 1992 and through a national programme of research aims to end the heartache caused by premature birth, stillbirth and miscarriage. It also provides information on healthy pregnancy to parents and health professionals. For further information visit www.tommys.org or call 08707 70 70 70.

Tommy’s, the baby charity, is inviting tots to take the plunge and sign up to splash for cash this May with over 4,000 other kids around the country in the 8th annual Splashathon.

Tommy’s Splashathon involves babies, toddlers and young children raising money by simply splashing a width or length of their local swimming pool and having fun to help Tommy’s fund its vital research into premature birth, stillbirth and miscarriage.

Last year 4,500 kids took part at 350 pools around the UK raising £140,000 and this year Splashathon is going to be even bigger and better. Tommy’s is inviting parents, carers and playgroups to register their tots. All they need to do is call the Splashathon hotline on 08707 70 70 69 or visit www.splashathon.com to receive a registration pack.

Jane Brewin, Chief Executive of Tommy’s, says “This event is great fun for youngsters and the money raised will support Tommy’s many research projects aimed at ending the heartache so many parents suffer when their precious baby dies during pregnancy or at birth, as well as funding our information line, run by midwives offering advice on all aspects of pregnancy. For the Splashathon, we’re inviting toddlers to join in and take up this challenge – it’s absolutely fantastic that they can offer Tommy’s such generous support.”

Don’t let your water baby miss out on the fun – every splasher receives a certificate to proudly display their achievement and if they raise £35 or more they’ll win fun inflatable pool toys.

To find out how to splish splash splosh for dosh, or to find out which pools are taking part, please call the splashathon hotline on 08707 70 70 69 or visit www.splashathon.com 

-ENDS-

NOTES TO EDITORS:

For more information about Tommy’s, the baby charity and the Splashathon, please contact:

Jane Budge: jbudge@tommys.org or Nick Morgan nmorgan@tommys.org at Tommy’s Press Office on 020 7398 3440.

Tommy’s, the baby charity

Tommy’s, the baby charity was set up in 1992 and through a national programme of research aims to end the heartache caused by premature birth, stillbirth and miscarriage. It also provides information on healthy pregnancy to parents and health professionals. For further information visit www.tommys.org or call 08707 70 70 70.

Esther Rantzen, Donna Air and Tamara Beckwith were among the celebrities gathered today at Claridge’s Hotel to attend the prestigious Tommy’s Parent Friendly Awards. The event, sponsored by Emma’s Diary, served to announce Britain’s most parent friendly companies.

Approximately half a million votes were cast by parents across the UK in 25 categories including Best Supermarket, Best Restaurant and Best Holiday Provider. The 2005 ceremony also included a new people’s award – Tommy’s Angel – to reward an individual who has given extra special support to someone through a pregnancy problem.

The Awards, which have been running for thirteen years, credit companies that are taking parents’ needs into consideration, and helping to make their lives less stressful. A recent Tommy’s survey revealed that Britain is the least parent-friendly of the world’s richest nations. The survey found that the U.S. was considered most parent-friendly by UK parents, followed by Spain, France, Italy, Canada, Australia, Germany and Japan, with Britain trailing in last. 

Jane Brewin, Chief Executive of Tommy’s, said: “One of Tommy’s aims is to make life less stressful for parents and parents-to-be so we are proud to be able to uncover the most parent friendly organisations that are giving parents with young children a helping hand. There’s still work to be done to make Britain more parent friendly but so far, Tommy’s have credited over 150 companies in the UK with our parent friendly stamp of approval and would like to think we’re setting examples of best practice which will encourage more companies to follow suit”.

WINNERS OF TOMMY’S PARENT FRIENDLY AWARDS 2005

Best Baby Food Brand:                                    Heinz

Best Bath Time Brand:                                     Johnson & Johnson

Best Nursery Product:                                      Grobags

Best Prematurity Product:                                Boots Prematurity Clothing

Best Feeding and Changing Area:                   Mothercare

Best Family Restaurant:                                   Pizza Hut

Best Kiddies Party Venue:                               McDonalds

Best Health and Leisure Complex:                  David Lloyd Leisure

Best Family Visitor Attraction:                         Chester Zoo

Best Children’s Current Account:                     Halifax

Best Children’s Savings Account:                    Family Investments

Most Parent Friendly Bank/Building Society:  Halifax

Best Overseas Holiday Provider:                     Thomson

Best UK Holiday Provider:                               Center Parcs

Best  Motorway Services or Restaurant:          Moto Hospitality

Best Maternity Wear:                                       Next

Best Toy Shop:                                                Toys R Us

Best Children's Clothing:                                Asda

Best Toy Brand:                                              Early Learning Centre

Best Department Store:                                  Debenhams

Best Shopping Centre:                                   Bluewater

Best Home Shopping:                                     Tesco

Best High Street Retailer:                               Boots

Best Supermarket:                                          Tesco

Tommy’s Angel 2005:                                      Josie Begamen

– ENDS –

NOTES TO EDITORS: For further information and photography, please contact Tommy’s Press Office:

Ash Anand, Nick Morgan or Jane Budge: 020 7398 3440, aanand@tommys.org, nmorgan@tommys.org, jbudge@tommys.org

Tommy’s Parent Friendly Awards were hosted by Tania Bryer and awards were presented by Donna Air, Tamara Beckwith, Floella Benjamin, Samantha Bond, Julia Carling, Andrea Catherwood, Carol Decker, Emma Forbes, Philippa Forrester, Ulrika Jonsson, Dr. Linda Papadopoulos, Esther Rantzen, Dr. Miriam Stoppard and Lord Taylor of Warwick.

Tommy’s, the baby charity

Tommy’s, the baby charity, was set up in 1992 and through a national programme of research aims to end the heartache caused by premature birth, stillbirth and miscarriage.  It also provides information on healthy pregnancy to parents and health professionals. For further information call 08707 70 70 70.

Emma’s Diary

Emma's Diary was established in 1992. Its mission, through its regular publication Emma's Diary, is to provide parents-to-be with the best possible, up-to-date and objective information on pregnancy and parenting. Emma's Diary provides a wealth of facts and information relating to pregnancy, starting a new family and what's happening politically, economically and socially that could affect the new family. Emma's Diary can be obtained from GP's surgeries and midwives. For further information on Emma's Diary, please contact: Nadine Joiner, 01628 640811, e-mail nadinej@cdltd.co.uk                                     

Lorraine Kelly, Sir Steve Redgrave, Gordon Ramsay and Blazin’ Squad are all leading a campaign which aims to get 20,000 families across the UK fit and active.

The FLORA Family Marathon, designed to get the nation up and running, encourages families to complete their own marathon by dividing the 26.2 mile distance between them.

To help them with their challenge, the celebrities and their families will be leading the initiative and acting as Celebrity Marathon “buddies”.  Participating families will be invited to nominate one of these to be their very own celebrity buddy, whom they will receive SMS and email training tips and hints from throughout their training. Each family will also receive a pedometer and plenty of fitness and nutrition advice from the website, www.florafamilymarathon.com, plus raise money for one of the official charities, chosen by the celebrities.  FLORA hopes to raise over £200,000 for charity through this campaign.

Warren Plaskett, Brand Manager for FLORA, said: “2005 is the 10^th year of the FLORA brand’s sponsorship of the London Marathon and to celebrate we’re helping 20,000 families across the UK get fit and healthy.  FLORA has  been  at the forefront of heart health for over 40 years, and  by launching the 2005 FLORA Family Marathon we will continue to persuade families to eat well and get up and get active. Through the FLORA Family Marathon we are also hoping to bring families together, show how maintaining a healthy heart can be fun and rewarding, and raise money for very good causes in the process.”

Gordon Ramsay, who is taking part with his wife Tana and family said: “It’ll be great to do something as a family, but everyone else better do a bit or Tana and I will end up running two marathons.”

TV presenter Lorraine Kelly said, “It’s more fun exercising with your family, and it’s great with the FLORA Family Marathon because everyone can do their bit.  Even our dog Rocky is taking part!”

For further information on the FLORA Family Marathon please Anna or Kitty on Tel: 020 7924 7214 or email anna@ktb.uk.com / kitty@ktb.uk.com

Notes to Editor:

About the FLORA Family Marathon:

• Gordon Ramsay
  
  Tommy’s, the baby charity


• Blazin Squad
  
  Save the Children


• Steve Redgrave
  
  The Steve Redgrave Trust


• Lorraine Kelly
  
  SHARP (Scottish Heart & Arterial Risk Prevention
  
  MS Society Scotland
  
  Maplewood School
  
  Scottish Society for Autism

Britain Voted Bottom of the List for Parents

In comparison with its closest rivals, Britain is the worst nation for parents, according to a new survey commissioned by Tommy’s, the baby charity. The survey - which used the top developed countries by GDP - asked 1000 British parents whether those nations are more or less parent-friendly than Britain [1]. In every case more parents rated Britain less parent-friendly.  The table below outlines the results [2]:

Nation       % Who Said It Was More           % Who Said It Was Less               Parent-Friendly Than Britain      Parent-Friendly Than Britain

US                             30                                                5 Spain                         26                                                5 France                       25                                                5 Italy                           25                                                5 Canada                      19                                                2 Australia                    17                                                3 Germany                    16                                                6 Japan                         18                                                9

“These results are a wake-up call,” said Tommy’s chief executive Jane Brewin. “Since we started the Parent Friendly Awards, parenting facilities have improved dramatically, but this shows how far we still have to go.”

Tommy’s is committed to improving conditions for UK parents. So we are giving parents and parents-to-be the chance to help themselves by voting for the 2005 Parent Friendly Awards, in association with Emma’s Diary, from 15 January–15 February 2005. Our belief is that by rewarding those organisations that go the extra mile for parent friendliness we’ll drive up the general standard.

Our survey shows that lack of time and money are the biggest gripes.

Bad Timing

• A fifth of parents (20%) admitted that at present they don’t spend enough time with their children. That equates to approximately one million parents nationwide (and that doesn’t include parents of children aged 10-16.) [3]

• Men are the worst affected: almost half (46%) bemoaned the lack of quality time they spend with their children.

• Jobs are also a factor - 47% of the full-time employed said they’d like to see their children more.

Pricing problems in the UK

• Almost two thirds (63%) think children’s toys are overpriced.

• Children’s clothes are also an issue – 45% said they’re too expensive.

• A quarter of parents (24%) employ paid help to look after their children.

Training for the Future?

• Nearly a third (32%) felt unprepared for parenthood and called for the government to introduce some form of pre-parenting training.

We believe companies and organisations can help. If facilities and services were more parent-friendly, parents would be more likely to take their children with them when they go shopping or on holiday. That’ll mean more time spent together and less money spent on finding cover.

So parents wanting to see wide aisles, crèches and other improved parenting services should vote online at www.tommys.org or get a voting form from: Asda, Blooming Marvellous, Boots, Center Parcs, Family Investments, Halifax, Haven, Ivillage, Mothercare, Moto, Tesco, or Toys R Us. Vote before Feb. 15 and you could win one of two family holidays on offer.

There are 26 awards ranging from best shopping centre to best bath-time brand. Plus, this year we’re introducing a new category, Tommy’s Angel, rewarding an individual who’s provided extra special support to ease someone through a parenting-related problem, possibly in relation to the causes we fund research into: miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth.

To enter, tell us in 400 words or less why your nomination deserves to be a Tommy’s Angel. Send it to angels@tommys.org or Tommy’s Angel, Tommy’s, the baby charity, 3 Laurence Pountney Hill, London, EC4R 0BB.

The awards will be presented at the star-studded Parent Friendly Awards taking place on March 23, 2005, with host Gaby Roslin.

-ENDS-

To see the complete survey results or for any other information please contact Tommy’s Press Office 020 7398 3440 or email Nick Morgan at nmorgan@tommys.org or Ash Anand: aanand@tommys.org

Notes to editors: Tommy’s Parent Friendly Awards was started to raise awareness of the needs of parents, parents-to-be and families and to encourage companies to take their needs into account. Since the launch of the Parent Friendly Awards, Tommy’s has credited over 150 organisations for vast improvements and higher levels of service for parents with young children. The awards are voted by parents, for parents.  The voting takes place each year between January and February via Tommy’s website or by picking up a voting form at participating retailers and the results are presented at our annual Parent Friendly Awards ceremony in March.

Emma's Diary was established in 1992. Its mission, through its regular publication Emma's Diary, is to provide parents-to-be with the best possible, up-to-date and objective information on pregnancy and parenting. Emma's Diary provides a wealth of facts and information relating to pregnancy, starting a new family and what's happening politically, economically and socially that could affect the new family. Emma's Diary can be obtained from GP's surgeries and midwives.

For further information on Emma's Diary, please contact: Nadine Joiner, 01628 640811, e-mail nadinej@cdltd.co.uk

Being a parent in Britain isn’t easy. A new survey commissioned by Tommy’s, the baby charity, found that 2 in 5 parents wanted to spend more quality time with their children, while a third (32%) of the 1,000 parents questioned felt unprepared for parenthood and called for the introduction of some form of pre-parenting training.

In response to this, a spokesperson from the Department for Education and Skills said, "We have made available £25 million to support families and parents through the Parenting Fund between 2003-2006, which helps to provide support for families at a local and national level. Our Five Year Strategy will support the further development of a range of parenting support, including parenting programmes".

Tommy’s believes that the best way to relieve some of the stresses of parenthood is to improve the services and facilities important to parents.  So we are encouraging parents and parents-to-be to help themselves by voting for the 2005 Parent Friendly Awards between 15 January – 15 February 2005.

Our belief is that by rewarding those organisations that go the extra mile for parent friendliness we’ll continue to drive up the general standard and make life a little easier for Britain’s parents.

Clearly there’s still a long way to go. Our survey found that 1 in 5 parents don’t find enough time for their children. The same percentage of parents admitted that although they spent adequate time, they’d like to spend more. Men are the worst affected with almost half (46%) of those interviewed bemoaning the lack of quality time they spent with their children. Jobs are also a factor with 47% of the full-time employed saying they’d like to see their children more.

“The increasing pressures and stresses of work not only mean people spend less time with their children, but stress can also be a problem for parents-to-be,” said Tommy’s Chief Executive, Jane Brewin. “The link between excessive stress and premature birth is well established. So it’s vital for pregnant woman to receive the right support from their employer and from family and friends.”

Our survey also found that parents are increasingly relying on other people to look after their children. Half of those interviewed (50%) said their parents regularly helped them and a quarter (24%) employ paid help. Others said they had to ask friends, other family members and unpaid helpers to chip in. We believe part of the reason for this is poor facilities mean parents can’t always take their children with them to supermarkets, shops and other similar places.

So, parents wanting to see more wide aisles, crèches, baby feeding areas and improved services for them and their families should get a voting form for the 2005 Parent Friendly Awards from one of the following places: Asda, Blooming Marvellous, Boots, Center Parcs, Family Assurance, Haven, Mothercare, Moto, Tesco, Toys R Us. Alternatively, parents can place their votes online at www.tommys.org. There are 26 categories of award covering everything from best shopping centre to best bath-time brand.

All the winners will receive their prizes at the star-studded awards ceremony, which will take place on March 23, 2005, and will be hosted by Gaby Roslin.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact: Tommy’s Press Office 020 7398 3440, Nick Morgan: nmorgan@tommys.org or Ash Anand: aanand@tommys.org

Notes to editor: Tommy’s, the baby charity was set up in 1992 and through a national programme of research aims to end the heartache caused by premature birth, stillbirth and miscarriage.  It also provides information on healthy pregnancy to parents-to-be and health professionals.  For further information call 08707 70 70 70.

Tommy’s Parent Friendly Awards was started in 1995 to raise awareness of the needs of parents with small children and encourage companies to take into account their needs. Since the launch of the Parent Friendly Awards, Tommy’s has credited over 150 organisations for vast improvements and higher levels of service for parents with young children. The awards are voted by parents, for parents.  The voting will takes place between January and February via Tommy’s website or by picking up a form at participating retailers and the results are presented at our annual Parent Friendly Awards ceremony in March.

The Freemasons’ Grand Charity has generously donated £70,000 to fund a vital research project by Tommy’s, the baby charity, into pre-eclampsia - a condition that usually occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy and is potentially fatal to both mother and her unborn child. The donation will cover the costs entailed for the first year of the research project, which will be carried out over the next two years at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital.

Laura Chapman, Chief Executive of The Freemasons Grand Charity says, “We’re delighted to offer Tommy’s this funding for their essential research into pre-eclampsia as it’s such a worthy cause. Charitable giving has always been at the heart of Freemasonry and all funding for The Grand Charity comes from donations by individual Freemasons and their families – so of course, we’d like to thank our supporters for their generosity”.

Each year in the UK at least 25,000 women suffer from pre-eclampsia, and if left untreated by way of their baby not being delivered as soon as possible, it results in the death of both mother and baby. High blood pressure and protein in the urine are warning signs that a pregnant woman may have the condition. If their baby isn’t delivered, women can go on to experience severe abdominal pain, excessive bleeding, strokes and fits. Together, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (convulsions) leads to the death of 560 babies and 10 women each year in the UK.

There is limited knowledge as to how the condition develops, although the placenta is believed to be the primary cause. The project at John Radcliffe Hospital will take blood samples from pregnant women on another of their trials, which looks at whether taking vitamins C & E during pregnancy can reduce the risk of developing pre-eclampsia.  Researchers will examine the points at which the vitamins alter the inflammation and function of the placenta in the mother’s bloodstream. Consequently, the team will be able to determine where the vitamins have their effect – in the placenta, in the mother or in a combination of both.

Charlotte Davies from Tommy’s says, “With the findings from this new project, our researchers aim to understand how and why vitamins work in preventing pre-eclampsia so that the condition can be treated more effectively in women in the future. Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication and Tommy’s works towards finding its cause and preventing it. We are therefore very grateful to the Freemasons’ Grand Charity for donating the funds necessary for this vital research to be carried out”.

– ENDS –

NOTES TO EDITOR

For further information please contact Tommy’s Press Office: Ash Anand or Nick Morgan on 020 7398 3440 Email: aanand@tommys.org

Tommy’s, the baby charity was set up in 1992 and through a national programme of research aims to end the heartache caused by premature birth, stillbirth and miscarriage.  It also provides information on healthy pregnancy to parents and health professionals. For further information call the pregnancy information line on 0870 777 30 60.

Vitamins in pre-eclampsia trial - Tommy’s initially funded this trial and are still recruiting for pregnant women to take part in this research to see whether vitamins C & E reduce the risk of developing pre-eclampsia. Women who would like to find out if they’re eligible to take part in this study should call Annette Briley on 020 7188 3641or visit www.viptrial.com.

The Freemasons’ Grand Charity is the central grant-making charity of all Freemasons in England and Wales and is one of the largest grant-making charities in the United Kingdom.

Masonic gifts to non-Masonic organisations in Oxfordshire during 2004 include: * £45000 gift to Douglas House in Oxford for computer equipment. Douglas House is a hospice for young people with life threatening illness. * £10000 (in total) to Helen House Hospice, a hospice for young children, Katherine House Hospice, Sobell House Hospice, MS Association and the Sue Ryder Care Centre. For further information on Oxfordshire Masons, please visit www.oxfordshiremasons.org.uk.

Make Sure You Vote…

Giving UK Parents the Power to Help Themselves

Bringing up children is stressful enough without the added problem of poor facilities. That’s why Tommy’s, the baby charity, is giving parents and parents-to-be the chance to help themselves by voting for the 2005 Parent Friendly Awards from 15 January to 15 February 2005.

Studies by the American Medical Association show stress is a factor in over 75% of illnesses and we all know that parenthood brings with it a set of stresses all of its own. Our belief is that by rewarding those organisations that go the extra mile for parent friendliness we’ll continue to drive up the general standard and make life a little less stressful for Britain’s parents.

We’ve achieved a great deal – a 2003 MORI poll showed 47% of people now consider Britain parent friendly as opposed to 32% in 1993. But those figures also show there’s still a long way to go.

So parents wanting to see even more wide aisles, crèches and baby feeding areas should get a voting form from one of the following places: Debenhams, Asda, Tesco, Blooming Marvellous, Moto, Center Parcs, Boots, Haven Holidays and Mothercare. Or parents can vote online through this website.

There are 26 categories of award covering everything from Best Shopping Centre to Best Bath-time Brand. Plus, this year we’re introducing a new category, Tommy’s Angels, rewarding individuals who have provided extra special support to ease people through parenting-related problems. Details for how to vote for your own particular angel will be on this website early in the new year.

The star-studded awards ceremony will take place late in March 2005. Last year it was hosted by Julia Carling and included celebrities like Tamara Beckworth, Floella Benjamin, Jamelia and Lesley Ash.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact: Tommy’s Press Office 020 7398 3440 - Nick Morgan: nmorgan@tommys.org or Ash Anand: aanand@tommys.org

Notes to editor: Tommy’s, the baby charity was set up in 1992 and through a national programme of research aims to end the heartache caused by premature birth, stillbirth and miscarriage.  It also provides information on healthy pregnancy to parents-to-be and health professionals. For further information call 08707 70 70 70.

Tommy's, the baby charity, is delighted to announce the introduction of their Christmas pin badges, on sale in top high street retailer, Boots, across the UK and the Republic of Ireland from Monday 22^nd November, 2004.

Money from the proceeds will go towards Tommy’s vital work into discovering the causes and prevention of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth. The project is one of many fundraising initiatives developed following the charity of the year partnership of Tommy’s and Boots in April of this year.

Oonagh Turnbull, Head of Public Relations at Boots says, “We are extremely pleased to be working with Tommy’s this year to raise awareness of their valuable work and to raise vital funds. Tommy’s is a charity that our customers and staff love and we are looking forward to an extremely successful partnership.”

There are three badges to collect:

• Santa


• Snowman


• Christmas tree

They will be on sale for a suggested donation of £1.

– ENDS –

NOTES TO EDITORS

For further information/jpegs and samples please contact Tommy’s press office: Ash Anand/ Nick Morgan on 020 7398 3440 aanand@tommys.org or nmorgan@tommys.org

Tommy’s, the baby charity: Tommy’s, the baby charity was set up in 1992 and through a national programme of research aims to end the heartache caused by premature birth, stillbirth and miscarriage.  It also provides information on healthy pregnancy to parents and health professionals. For further information call the pregnancy information line on 0870 777 30 60.

We're looking for twins, triplets etc – who were born premature – and are planning to run next year’s London marathon. We are aiming to produce a feature article aimed at the national press and television in the run up to next year's event. So if you fit the bill, call the Tommy’s press office on 0207 398 3440 or email nmorgan@tommys.org.

A new survey from Tommy’s and Boots reveals that mums are misinformed about pregnancy health and are taking unnecessary risks which could harm their babies. Key findings show that mums are ill-informed about the risk of miscarriage and its implications, are unclear about diet health hazards and are needlessly smoking and drinking through pregnancy. The NOP survey of 1000 women with children under three years of age marks Tommy’s National Pregnancy Week, sponsored by Boots, which is running from 6-12 September 2004.

Statistics from the survey show that mums are misguided about having sex safely during pregnancy, with 1 in 8 women saying it is not safe to have sex in the first three months of pregnancy. Shockingly, 91% of these women feel that having sex in the first three months is more likely to lead to a miscarriage. Charlotte Davies, who runs Tommy’s pregnancy information line says, “This is a surprisingly large figure of mums who are misinformed as there is no evidence to suggest that sex in the first three months of pregnancy causes miscarriage”.

A third of the mums interviewed have experienced a miscarriage and sadly, 1 in 10 who have say they felt guilty about it, felt that no-one knew what they were going through and 1 in 4 said it made them feel more nervous about future pregnancies. Charlotte says, “This is a massive proportion of women tearing themselves up over something they have no control over. It’s vital that pregnant women have all the necessary information to hand to help them cope, which is why we provide Tommy’s pregnancy information line on 0870 777 30 60, run by midwives”.

In terms of the right diet to follow through pregnancy, 1 in 4 mums surveyed say they ‘eat for two’ – an attractive temptation but one that can actually lead to excessive weight gain, which can put you at risk for pregnancy complications. Becky Dean, one of Boots’ in-store Baby Advisors who gives advice to pregnant mums, explains, “There is no real medical reason to ‘eat for two’ – it’s a common misconception; in fact, you only need an extra 300 calories a day when you’re pregnant – which amounts to a light snack such as houmous and mixed salad in wholemeal pitta bread or a cereal bar and a glass of semi-skimmed milk”.

To mark National Pregnancy Week, Boots’ baby experts like Becky are planning in-store activities in larger Boots’ stores such as Pregnancy Awareness Days (these are also planned to take place in hospitals and health centres across the country). The days will be based on a ‘healthy pregnancy lifestyles’ theme and activities range from baby massage workshops to sessions on how to be fit for pregnancy, labour and beyond. Boots’ stores are also selling a Tommy’s Teddy for £6 through September 2004 – a donation of £1 for each teddy sold directly funds Tommy’s vital research into premature birth, miscarriage and stillbirth.

The survey reveals that many mums are misinformed about which foods to avoid during pregnancy. Two thirds said that they would eat Parma ham and swordfish but Parma ham is raw meat so carries a risk of toxoplasmosis, which can result in miscarriage or stillbirth. Swordfish should also be avoided as it contains high levels of mercury which could cause neurological damage to the baby.

Additionally, Tommy’s survey shows that a large proportion of mums are ignoring advice from health professionals as 1 in 5 women smoked and 2 out of 5 drank alcohol during their pregnancy – even though these activities can cause mental retardation and birth defects in babies.

Charlotte says, “The survey shows that strong discrepancies in mums’ pregnancy health knowledge, which Tommy’s aims to tackle by increasing awareness of our pregnancy information line, website and our book entitled, ‘Tommy’s guide to pre-pregnancy care’ - available free through September at larger Boots stores”.

– ENDS –

NOTES TO EDITORS: For further information please contact Tommy’s Press Office on 020 7398 3440, or email aanand@tommys.org

Responding to the needs of mothers with premature babies Vertbaudet have developed a newborn collection for babies with a weight of only 2, 2.5 and 3.3kg. Easy fastenings, soft fabrics for sensitive skins, pure cotton - all designed with the smallest babies in mind.

Vertbaudet are working with Tommy’s by donating 25p from selected purchases in their Colin + Colline premature baby range. There are four great designs to choose from:

• A three piece green and white outfit for girls made of soft cotton or velour or a green suit style 2 piece outfit for boys, made of 100% cotton and 
• An all-in-one cotton T-shirt set and a wrap over top + trouser set both in soft velour both in Yellow, Sky blue and pink.

Vertbaudet were highly commended in the Best Specialist Prematurity Product and Best Home Shopping categories in this year’s Tommy's Parent Friendly Awards.

For more information please contact Vertbaudet on 0845 270 0 270 to get a catalogue or go to www.vertbaudet.co.uk

Tommy’s has been offered a lottery grant of £280,410. The funds will be specifically used in a three-year study to uncover what dietary measures improve nutrition and pregnancy outcome in teenage pregnancies.

Jane Brewin, Chief Executive of Tommy’s said, “The UK has the highest rate of adolescent pregnancy rates in Western Europe and the mortality rate for the babies of teenage mothers is 60% higher than for babies of older mothers. It is therefore essential that we investigate what factors will decrease the poor outcome of teenage pregnancies. By doing so we aim to address three key points; decrease long-term health issues for the offspring, minimise economic strain on the NHS such as cost of intensive case units and in treating cardiovascular problems or diabetes in later life, as well as help save thousands of babies’ lives – a key aim for our charity.”

Provisionally scheduled to begin in October 2004, 515 fifteen- to nineteen-year-olds will be recruited for the three-year study. Recruitment will be via two full-time midwives based at Tommy’s world renowned centres of maternal and fetal research in London and Manchester, and via teen pregnancy clinics and community services.

The teenagers will be from 12 weeks into their pregnancy and divided into three groups; those who are still growing and competing with their babies for nutrients, those with inadequate fat stores and those from different ethnic groups. Four variables will be assessed in relation to pregnancy outcome: nutritional intake, growth status, fat stores and confounding variables such as socioeconomic class and smoking habits.

Participants will complete a dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire. Iron and folate supplementation will be recorded and only administered if deficiencies are identified in accordance with current clinical practice. This will allow for the examination of the relationship between different micronutrient deficiencies and pregnancy outcome.

NOTES TO EDITORS:
For further information, please contact Tommy’s Press Office: Ash Anand - 020 7398 3440, aanand@tommys.org

Nobody does it better at Tommy’s Parent Friendly Awards

Celebrities including Leslie Ash, Jamelia, Tamara Beckwith and Tania Bryer gathered at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Knightsbridge on 31st March, to attend the prestigious Tommy’s Parent Friendly Awards (sponsored by Emma’s Diary) to announce Britain’s most parent friendly companies.

Over half a million votes were cast by parents nationwide who have had their say about, amongst others, the UK’s most parent friendly supermarket, restaurant and holiday provider. The 2004 ceremony also included new awards for the best children’s savings plans and financial advice for families.

The Awards, which have been running for twelve years, credit companies that are taking parents’ needs into consideration, and helping to make their lives less stressful. This is especially important as 1 in 4 parents in a recent Tommy’s survey* believe their needs are not considered by retailers, banks and restaurants. The survey reveals the facilities that parents would like to see implemented the most; 55% of mums want supervised children’s play areas and 46% of dads want more parent and child parking spaces with family rest areas.

Jane Brewin, Chief Executive of Tommy’s, said, “One of Tommy’s aims is to make life less stressful for parents and parents-to-be so we are proud to be able to uncover the most parent friendly organisations that are giving parents with young children a helping hand. There’s still work to be done to make Britain even more parent friendly but so far, Tommy’s have credited over 150 companies in the UK with our parent friendly stamp of approval and would like to think we’re setting examples of best practice which will encourage more companies to follow suit”.
*TNS survey of 432 parents with children between 0-9yrs, January 2004

WINNERS OF TOMMY’S PARENT FRIENDLY AWARDS 2004

1. Best Baby Food Brand - Heinz
2. Best Bath Time Brand - Johnson & Jhnson
3. Best Nursery Product - Tomy Monitor
4. Best Prematurity Product - Pampers Premature Nappy
5. Best Feeding and Changing Area - Boots
6. Best Family Restaurant - Brewsters
7. Best Children's Party Venue - Brewsters
8. Best Health and Leisure Complex - David Lloyd Leisure
9. Best Family Visitor Attraction - Alton Towers
10. Best Bank or Building Society Savings Account - Halifax
11. Best Customer Service and Advice for Families - Halifax
12. Best Long-term Children's Savings Plan - Family Assurance
13. Most Parent Friendly Branches - Halifax
14. Best Overseas Holiday Provider - Thomson 
15. Best UK Holiday Provider - Center Parcs
16. Best Motorway Services or Restaurant - Moto Hospitality
17. Best Maternity Wear - Mothercare
18. Best Toy Shop - Toys R Us
19. Best Children’s Clothing - Asda
20. Best Toy Brand - Fisher Price
21. Best Department Store - Debenhams
22. Best Shopping Centre - Bluewater
23. Best Home Shopping - Next
24. Best Supermarket - Tesco

NOTES TO EDITORS:

For further information and photography, please contact Tommy’s Press Office: Ash Anand: 020 7398 3440, aanand@tommys.org

Tommy’s Parent Friendly Awards were hosted by Julia Carling and celebrity award presenters included Leslie Ash, Tamara Beckwith, Floella Benjamin, Samantha Bond, Tania Bryer, Andrea Catherwood, Carol Decker, Katie Derham, Haydn Gwynne, Bernie Nolan, Dr Linda Papadopoulos, Dr Miriam Stoppard, Amanda Stretton, Kim Vithana and Stacey Young.

Tommy’s, the baby charity, is undertaking research into developing a safer way to induce labour by mimicking the body’s own natural hormone release process during labour.

The research, funded by a medical research donation of almost £100,000 from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), will be the first project run jointly between Tommy’s London and Manchester research centres.

In ‘natural’ labour a hormone, oxytocin, is produced by the body in small, intermittent pulses, and allows the uterus to rest in between contractions. During these periods of rest, oxygen is passed naturally to the baby.

Labour is generally induced in women whose pregnancy is overdue or where there are medical complications, such as pre-eclampsia. Oxytocin is given continuously to the mother using a drip, however, this method can, in some cases, cause the uterus to over-contract, which is potentially harmful to the baby. The baby’s heart rate may be affected, and it may need to be delivered quickly by forceps, suction or caesarean section. Such assisted deliveries carry a higher risk for the baby.

The research teams will investigate the benefits of a new approach to oxytocin delivery. By giving it in short pulses they hope to stimulate labour more effectively.

It is hoped that benefits will include a more ‘natural’ labour, a decrease in surgical intervention and reduced costs for hospitals.

Tommy’s Professor of Fetal & Maternal Health, Philip Baker said:

“When caring for women in labour, we are often faced with the problem of a labour that does not progress – despite drugs to strengthen contractions. If our study shows that giving drugs intermittently (as happens naturally), rather than continuously, helps the uterus contract effectively – this would improve the care we can offer. Benefits to mother and baby would include shorter labours and a lower caesarean section rate.

We would like to express our most sincere gratitude to GSK for making this research possible.”

– Ends –

For further information please contact:
Ash Anand, Tommy’s Press Office: 020 7398 3440, Email: aanand@tommys.org

Editor’s Notes:
* GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical and healthcare companies and is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. GSK has a comprehensive global programme of charitable activities, which represented £239 million in 2002. In the UK, GSK supports a number of initiatives within the areas of healthcare, scientific education and medical research, the visual and performing arts, and the environment. For company information, visit GlaxoSmithKline on the World Wide Web at www.gsk.com. For detailed information on the company’s community programmes, go to www.gsk.com/community