Teresa Smith BEM takes to the skies

Inspirational campaigner Teresa Smith BEM takes to the skies for Liverpool’s premature

Babies.

Thalidomide survivor aims to raise £5,000 for specialist neonatal equipment at Liverpool Women’s University Hospital

Teresa Smith BEM will take to the skies on 3 October 2026 in an inspirational fundraising

challenge supporting premature and newborn babies at Liverpool Women’s University Hospital.

The retired social worker, lifelong disability campaigner and thalidomide survivor hopes to raise at least £5,000 to purchase neonatal vein viewers for the hospital’s Neonatal

Intensive Care Unit.

The specialist equipment helps healthcare professionals locate the tiny veins of premature and newborn babies more clearly when delivering essential treatment. It can make procedures easier for clinical staff and less distressing for babies and their families.

Teresa’s connection to the cause is deeply personal. At birth, she was given only two

minutes to live and was baptised at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Her own experience

means she understands the vulnerability of babies requiring urgent medical care.

Teresa is also undertaking the challenge in honour of two babies within her family, one of whom was born at just 28 weeks.

Teresa said: “The vulnerability of newborn babies is a very personal part of my own story. I am taking to the skies for two babies who are close relatives of mine, including one who was born at only 28 weeks.

“Their experiences made me want to do something practical to support premature and

newborn babies, as well as the wonderful staff who care for them.

“By raising £5,000 for neonatal vein viewers, I hope we can make an important difference to the care babies receive at Liverpool Women’s Hospital. Every donation, no matter how small, will help us move closer to our target.”

The fundraising flight, called Teresa Takes to the Sky, is being supported by the Teresa Smith Foundation and Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity. Members of the public, businesses and community organisations are being encouraged to sponsor Teresa and help spread the word ahead of her flight.