Friends of

Alfie Martin

Raising vital funds for neonatal equipment

We are an independent charity run solely by volunteers, we have no overheads, and all the funds we raise go directly to where they are most needed.

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Who we are

Like many charities, the Friends of Alfie Martin was born out of personal tragedy. In March 2002, Fiona and Roger Martin lost their son, Alfie. Alfie was a healthy baby born full-term, but due to medical negligence, needed specialist transportation to the Leeds Teaching Hospital for critical care. No transportation was available and after a tortuous wait Alfie was transferred, but sadly died.

 

Fiona wanted to honour her son by improving the transport of critically ill children throughout Yorkshire. A group of volunteers rallied to support Fiona and the charity was formed in 2002.

Our impact >

What we do

Formed in 2002 the Friends of Alfie Martin raises vital funds to purchase much needed state-of-the-art life-altering and life-saving medical equipment for the Leeds Centre for Newborn Care, which cares for the sickest newborn babies from across Yorkshire. Approximately 1,600 babies are treated at the centre each year.


Since the initial purchase of the much-needed transportation equipment (Globetrotter transport units costing £55,000 each), a special relationship has developed between our charity and the Leeds Centre for Newborn Care, which provides us with a wish list of equipment each year.

Fundraising >

Significant funds raised

The charity has raised significant funds for life-saving equipment for Yorkshire’s sickest babies, in fact, it is the biggest single contributor to the Leeds Centre for Newborn Care. Recent purchases include state-of-the-art heart-monitoring equipment, specialist incubators, and mechanical breathing support ventilators.


The list of future requirements for the centre is daunting, but our dedicated committee of volunteers is determined to continue in their efforts to ensure that other parents do not have to suffer the tragic loss of a child.

Equipment wish list >

Significant funds raised so far

We are thrilled to be able to announce that we have now raised a huge £1 Million Pounds of fundraising in Alfie’s name! When Fiona first started fundraising 23 years ago, her only goal was not to let Alfie’s name be forgotten and for his short lived life to have meaning, and this has certainly been achieved.


The funds raised over the last 23 years have bought vital pieces of equipment saving countless babies lives and will have made such a difference to many families in the Yorkshire region. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us in achieving this amazing milestone!


Fiona and the Committee


MBE for Fiona Martin!

I’m incredibly honoured and humbled to have been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List, June 2025. 


This recognition is truly shared with the amazing committee members - past and present - and the incredible supporters of Alfie’s charity, some of whom have been with us throughout this 23-year journey.


Thank you for believing in the cause and for making this work possible. Fiona xx

Nominated at the Yorkshire Business Women Awards

We are were thrilled that Alfie’s Charity was a Finalist at the Yorkshire Business Women Awards for the Charity Award in 2026. Although we didn't win, we were very honoured to be nominated.

How we fundraise

We are an independent charity run solely by volunteers, we have no overheads, and all the funds we raise go directly where they are needed. Wherever possible the committee tries to negotiate purchases directly with the equipment manufacturers to secure the best cost price, and in many cases this saves thousands of pounds.


Our committee raises funds through:

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Organising fundraising events

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Organisational donations – corporate and charitable foundations

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Individual donations – through personal fundraising challenges

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Applying for grants 

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Ladies Lunches

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Friends of Alfie Martin Committee members
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Friends of Alfie Martin Committee members

Faces of Humanity

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Friends of Alfie Martin Charity Event
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Wherever possible the committee tries to negotiate purchases directly with the equipment manufacturers to secure the best cost price, and in many cases this saves thousands of pounds.