'Raid your garages': Leeds charity makes urgent appeal for prams

Leeds Baby Bank says there are too many young families across the city who find leaving their home with a baby is almost impossible because they can't afford a pram.

Sarah from the charity said: “We know that a pram is crucial to the wellbeing of young children - and also their parents.

"If you are stuck in the house, how can you get to medical appointments, meet with friends and family for support, or even get some fresh air?”

Leeds Baby Bank aims to ensure young children don’t go without because of poverty. When a health or social care professional refers a family to the charity, a bundle of items is prepared just for them - which might include a Moses basket, a pram or pushchair, a high chair, baby bath and some clothes. Many of these items are pre-loved.

Sarah added: “Today we have 32 families on our waiting list for prams or pushchairs which are suitable from birth. Eight of them are for babies that are already here!

"We are asking everyone to raid their garages, sheds, hallways and spare rooms for prams they no longer need.”

One Dad who did exactly that is Richard. He donated to Leeds Baby Bank the pram used by his daughters, Hazel and Nina when they were babies.

Even the girls were happy to wave goodbye to their pram so it could go to another baby who needed it.

Anyone with a clean, fully working pram to donate can take it to Leeds Baby Bank’s unit near Armley Gyratory. Just visit www.leedsbabybank.org/donate-items to book a drop off slot, otherwise email [email protected]

Those who haven't got a pram but would like to help, you can buy the pushchair-from birth from the charity's Amazon wish list for just £63 or make an online donation by visiting www.leedsbabybank.org and going to Ways to Help.

High chairs and moses baskets are also urgently needed. For a full list of items families need right now visit www.leedsbabybank.org/donate-items