Family raises £3,900 for Colchester Neonatal Unit following son’s birth

Hospital supporters have already raised £3,968 of a £4,000 target for Colchester Hospital’s Neonatal Unit, following the premature birth of baby Jude Williams. 

 

Jude was born nine weeks early on 27 April, weighing just 3lb 3oz, after an unexpected early labour. He required specialist neonatal care for breathing, feeding and temperature regulation. During this challenging time, his family were supported by the compassionate team at the Colchester’s Neonatal Unit. 

 

In gratitude, family and friends launched a fundraising appeal through Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity to support the unit and help other families facing similar experiences. 

 

Jude’s dad Lewis Williams said: “The team were empathetic, compassionate and just outright amazing in the care they provided Jude and the support they gave Erin and I. We can honestly never thank them enough, but we felt a good way to start is to try and raise as much money as possible for the unit to help in any which way to aid them in delivering the same amazing care to many other babies and their families.” 

 

Fundraising efforts to date include community sporting events, bake sales and a sponsored superhero-themed phonics class completed by Jude’s three-year-old cousin. Their packed programme of activities continues with the Great Bentley Half Marathon in February, Brighton Marathon in April, a Harwich and Dovercourt Rugby Club vs Harwich and Dovercourt Cricket Club charity football game, and much more, all running through to spring 2026. 

 

With the total already so close to their £4,000 target, the family are determined to continue fundraising well beyond this milestone to maximise their support for the Colchester Neonatal Unit. 

 

Grace Wilson, the charity’s assistant fundraising and events manager, said: “To have raised £3,968 already is a fantastic achievement. Every donation will directly support babies and families on the Colchester Neonatal Unit, and we are incredibly thankful to Lewis, Erin and everyone involved for their incredible efforts. It will make a huge difference to our community”. 

 

Anyone wishing to support Team Jude and help them raise as much as possible for babies and families on the Colchester Neonatal Unit can donate via their JustGiving page: Lewis Williams is fundraising for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity