Action Medical Research has been making medical breakthroughs for nearly 60 years – helping to develop the UK polio vaccine, ultrasound scanning in pregnancy and discovering the importance of taking folic acid during pregnancy to prevent Spina bifida. All over the UK, with the help of Action Medical Research, doctors and scientist in hospitals and universities are finding new ways of preventing, treating and curing diseases that affect many thousands of babies and children.

Every year in the UK around 70,000 newborn babies need some level of special care as a result of a difficult birth, a life-threatening condition, or because they were born too soon. Tragically, more than 3,000 babies die before their first birthday and premature birth is the single biggest cause, yet little is known about what causes premature birth or how to prevent it.

Despite the shocking statistics and the enormous impact on families this is still a neglected and under-funded area.

Our special Touching Tiny Lives appeal aims to raise much needed funds to help find the answers to pregnancy complications, to reduce premature birth and to improve care of sick and vulnerable babies. Your support will help us continue this potentially life-saving work.

Website: www.action.org.uk