A MOTHER from Teesside who set up a charity to support families in neonatal units in the North East has received Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Points of Light award.

Lottie King, from Yarm, founded ‘Leo’s Neonatal’ in 2015 after the tragic loss of one of her twins, Leo, born at 24 weeks. The charity aims to provide additional care to families that complements services provided through the NHS, working closely with neonatal units in the North East at Sunderland Royal Hospital, The University Hospital of North Durham, The James Cook University Hospital and Darlington Memorial.

During the pandemic, with restrictions limiting visiting hours in hospital for parents as well as the in-person peer support available for neonatal families, the team at Leo’s have been offering telephone support and launched a new ‘The Nurture Project’ to offer therapeutic trauma support in a virtual or socially-distanced way. Backed with funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, 'The Nurture Project' has so far supported over 70 families across the North East with activities such as socially distanced or virtual neonatal yoga, occupational therapy, trauma therapy, solo play sessions, and hydrotherapy swimming.

In a personal letter to Lottie, Mr Johnson said: “Thank you for all that you do through ‘Leo’s Neonatal’ for families whose babies are in neonatal care. One of the greatest challenges of the last year has been the isolation felt by many and so your telephone support service for parents is more important than ever.

“I am also lost in admiration for the array of practical and emotional support your ‘Nurture Project’ has given families across the North East, from hydrotherapy sessions to sign language classes and even virtual neonatal yoga.

“The work that you do helps so many and is a wonderful tribute to Leo.”

Matt Vickers, MP for Stockton South, who congratulated Lottie on her award over a virtual call, said: "Congratulations Lottie on becoming the 1,592nd Point of Light awarded by the Prime Minister. You should be incredibly proud of all that you do.

"It is awe inspiring to see a charity that does such good come about after such a tragic event. Your selflessness and dedication to support other families with premature babies in neonatal units, and the launch of the Nurture Project is a great credit to you.

"I am incredibly proud of your achievements, as I know everyone around you is."

Reacting to the Prime Minister’s announcement, Lottie said: “It is such an honour and a privilege for our work, and the impact on neonatal families during the pandemic to have been recognised by the Prime Minister and his Points of Light awards. My dedicated team here at Leo’s have worked so exceptionally hard during the Covid-19 pandemic making 'The Nurture Project' an incredibly diverse and wonderful project which has made a difference to the lives of so many neonatal families in the North East.

"This award is an amazing legacy for my little boy Leo, his brothers Dax and Oska, our team, and the families we care for.”

Laura Hurren, a mum who has been supported by Leo’s during pandemic, said: “Leo’s has been invaluable with the support they provided for my family and I. Since having a baby born at 23 weeks at the start of lockdown, the services and support Leo’s have provided have been so important to us.

"From peer support during our hospital stay, to support post discharge which has included the continued peer support, counselling, sensory play, baby yoga, occupational therapy support, swimming and more. The team have ensured that we as a family have been supported both physically and mentally during such difficult times.

"They have equipped us with the education and opportunities to provide the best care to our little boy, who otherwise may have struggled with issues associated with being born early. We couldn’t put a price on the support we have received.”

Lottie is the 1,592nd person to receive the Prime Minister’s UK daily Points of Light award, which was first launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals making a difference where they live. Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements, including hundreds of volunteers who have been recognised for how they have served their communities through the coronavirus pandemic.