The May prize draw winner for the NHS Lincolnshire Citizens’ Panel has donated the £250 prize to a scheme that provides care packages to families of new born babies who are unexpectedly transferred out of Pilgrim Hospital.

Lincolnshire resident and panel member Alison Marriott was selected at random to win the £250 May prize. The next draw takes place at the end of June and will include all members, so sign up now at hwlincs.co.uk/citizenspanel for your chance to win.

Alison said: “The reason I joined the NHS Lincolnshire Citizens’ Panel was to use my experiences to help others and make sure that different voices were heard, mainly for the safety and physical and mental well-being of new born babies and their families. Different voices need to be heard and listened to for the best outcomes.”

Issues that relate to new born babies are close to Alison’s heart and she has donated her prize money to the charity she runs which provides care packages to families whose new borns are unexpectedly transferred to another hospital from Boston Pilgrim due to medical issues.

Alison added: “This surprise win is going to be entirely donated to the SoS Neonatal Transfer Bags scheme which I run. It’s much appreciated by the families who receive the bags when their baby is too poorly and they are transferred to hospitals away from Pilgrim Hospital.

“Feedback from staff and families alike is that these bags make a really important difference. £250 will help eight more families at what will often prove to be the most challenging time of their lives.”

Alison has run the scheme since 2018 and SoS Neonatal Transfer Bags contain essentials for both the baby and their family. Anyone interested in the scheme can donate an amount on the GoFundMe page https://www.gofundme.com/f/Neonatal-Transfer-Bags or sponsor a box for £30.

To join the NHS Lincolnshire Citizens’ Panel, visit hwlincs.co.uk/citizenspanel

Panel membership offers the chance to have a direct say on healthcare issues.