Supporting Families at the Colchester Hospital Neonatal Unit: Our Travel Grant
At Wish Upon a Fairy – Colchester, we understand that when your baby is in neonatal care, nothing else matters more than being by their side. The neonatal journey can be emotional, overwhelming, and exhausting. On top of that, the cost of travelling back and forth to the hospital can quickly become a heavy financial burden for families already facing an incredibly challenging time.
That’s why we created our Travel Cost Support Grant — to help ease some of that pressure for parents with babies receiving care in the neonatal unit at Colchester Hospital.
💜 Why Travel Support Matters
When a baby is admitted to neonatal care, parents often travel to the hospital daily — sometimes multiple times a day. Parking fees, fuel, bus fares, train tickets, and in some cases taxis, can add up to hundreds of pounds over the course of a stay.
For families experiencing financial hardship, these costs can become overwhelming. We believe no parent should have to worry about affording the journey to see their baby.
Our travel grant exists to ensure families can focus on what truly matters: being present, bonding, and supporting their little one through those crucial early days.
Who Can Apply?
Parents or legal guardians of a baby receiving care in the neonatal unit at Colchester Hospital may be eligible if they:
Are experiencing financial hardship
Require regular travel to visit their baby
Meet our weekly funding availability (one family supported per week)
We can provide support up to £65 per week, depending on need and available funds.
What Costs Are Covered?
We may reimburse or provide assistance for:
🚍 Public Transport
Bus and train fares travelling to and from the hospital.
🚕 Taxi Fares
In exceptional circumstances where no other transport options are available (up to £65 per week).
Support is offered in the form of:
Pre-paid travel vouchers
Approved taxi bookings using our charity code
Each application is reviewed individually to ensure funds go to families who need them most.
How to Apply
Applying is simple:
Complete a Travel Assistance Request Form (available from the neonatal unit or by contacting us).
Provide supporting documents where possible:
Travel receipts or tickets
Proof of hospital attendance
Submit your application to: [email protected]
Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and support is subject to available funding.
Our Commitment to Families
We recognise that every family’s situation is different. In exceptional circumstances, applications may be considered at the discretion of our charity board.
Our goal is always to act with compassion, fairness, and understanding — ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.
If You Need Support
If your baby is currently in the neonatal unit at Colchester Hospital and you are struggling with travel costs, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
📩 Email: [email protected]
You are not alone — and we are here to help.
At Wish Upon a Fairy – Colchester, we are honoured to stand beside families during some of their most difficult moments. Sometimes, a small grant can make a big difference — helping parents stay close, when closeness matters most. 💜
