WightAID October Grants Revealed

A charity which supports the smallest and sickest babies in St Mary’s Hospital’s neo-natal unit was the biggest benefactor in WightAID’s October grant round.

The Ickle Pickles Children’s Charity helps tiny infants who need intensive care.

It received £2,771.14 to purchase two specialist recliner chairs for the special care unit at St Mary’s Hospital.

These chairs will be used to support parents of babies on the unit to establish breastfeeding and encourage skin-to-skin ‘kangaroo care’.

More than £6,350 was distributed in the latest round, with the cheque being presented by WightAID supporter Jon Carter, of Betapak, at IFPL at Calbourne.

Two sports clubs also received substantial grants.

• IW Pony Club received £1,800 to purchase new timing equipment, which will enable them to continue to hold fundraising competitions
• Ventnor Cricket Club received £600 towards new equipment to start a new session for four- and five-year-olds, and to start a new under-nines team.

They aim to provide a fun and engaging introduction to cricket and teach fundamentals of movement, teamwork and social skills vital for young people’s development and confidence building.

Three other grants of £500 were also awarded.

• Ventnor Youth FC received £485 for training equipment for their under 10s team.
• Ventnor Carnival Association received £500 towards their well-being Craft Workshop which will be held at Better Days Cafe.The group will be making large willow site decorations that will be displayed in the town. Better Days Cafe is an inclusive hub which aims to improve the health and well-being of the community.
• Lanesend Primary School requested £200 for material for costumes for their performance at Dance Live 2025. The children will get a chance to showcase their costumes in front of a live audience.

Geoff Underwood, chair and founder of WightAID, said:

“It was great to support a charity that helps tiny children, as well as sports, school and community groups.

“Only with the support of the Island’s businesses and individuals can we continue to donate to good causes such as these. Please spread the word and give generously.”