Bliss (charity) weeks gestational age. This study is helping to inform healthcare and education services to ensure the right support is provided at all times for premature and sick babies as they grow towards adulthood. The heads of babies that are born extremely premature (less than 29 weeks) do not grow very well, which affects how their brains develop later. Many of these babies are fed intravenously, directly into a vein, in the first month of life as their gut is too immature to digest milk in high enough quantities for their nutritional needs. The SCAMP study, which was funded by Bliss,
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