The Observer has launched a campaign to replace broken, old cots at Watford General Hospital.

Katherine Ward has been using the same cribs for nearly three decades – but now they desperately need replacing.

Each bed costs between £500 and £700 and with 26 needed, it will be no easy feat.

But the brains behind the project, healthcare assistant Jacqueline Fitzsimons, is ready for the challenge.

Watford Observer:

With the Watford Observer’s help, she is confident she can raise the £18,000 needed.

“Having the newspaper’s backing is quite solid for us,” she said. “To know we have a force behind the campaign is a huge help.

“I am excited and I’m sure we can do it.”

The 56-year-old was inspired to do something when realising she had wheeled two generations of babies from one family in the same cribs.

Then she realised own children, who are 26 and 28, also spent the first few nights of their lives in the cots.

Watford Observer:

As a result, Cots for Tots: The Next Generation, was born.

She added: “It has sentimental meaning to me. Those cots have done a lot of mileage and having a baby is such a special time, I wanted to help buy new cots.

“The current cots squeak and some are old. This will help parents be as comfortable as possible. It’s going to make such a difference.”

The new cots will be electronic and more modern, something particularly helpful to mothers who have had c-sections because it gives them easier access to their child.

On June 16, midwives will hold a ‘cot dash’ through Watford General Hospital, where they will run through Watford Town Centre with cribs to raise awareness and money.

Other events will be planned later in the year, including a fun day in August.

She also hopes to get schools involved with fundraising activities after the summer holidays.

“Everybody has had a positive reaction,” she added. “I am trying to do it day-by-day, I don’t want to run before I crawl. But I am feeling positive we can do it.”

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