Bliss (charity) the charity for the Blue Peter appeal twice, raising £2.7 million and helping to raise awareness about underfunding in neonatal intensive care units. In 2000 Bliss ran a campaign to show that neonatal units in the UK were relying on the charity for equipment, rather than the NHS. The story made the front page of the Daily Express and £6.5 million was then announced for neonatal intensive care. From then on, Bliss decided to spend less money on equipment and started funding medical training and research. Bliss champions the right for every baby born premature or sick to receive the
Action Medical Research shapeable 'matrix' wheelchair and the 'Tools for Living' programme. The charity has also funded research into osteoporosis, nerve repair, hydrocephalus and myasthenia gravis. Their current appeal 'Touching Tiny Lives' is raising money for research to prevent premature births, and pre-eclampsia and other life-threatening complications of pregnancy. It also aims to improve treatments for babies requiring special care. Supported by celebrities including Tony Hadley and Martin Fry, the campaign had raised almost £4 million by March 2009. Action Medical Research is also involved in lobbying the UK government to increase funding for research in these areas, which has led to an