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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Organising fundraising events
Organisational donations – corporate and charitable foundations
Individual donations – through personal fundraising challenges
Applying for grants
See all our latest Instagram news and updates @friendsofalfiemartin
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![Throwback to yesterday morning and the start of the Family O’tea’ly Run ?✨
So much fun ? huge love and thanks to Shazia and Give A Gift for hosting this amazing family community event ???
@giveagiftleeds
@shaziafarooqui76
#alfiescharity]()
Throwback to yesterday morning and the start of the Family O’tea’ly Run 💕✨ So much fun 🤩 huge love and thanks to Shazia and Give A Gift for hosting this amazing family community event 🙏🏼💛 @giveagiftleeds @shaziafarooqui76 #alfiescharityButton -
![The inaugural O’tea’ly run!
A lovely inclusive community event for Alfie’s charity with huge thanks to Shazia and the amazing team at @giveagiftleeds for making it all happen ???
So much fun with @lovepopchoir
It was great to see the fantastic turn out and so many in fancy dress too ?✨ ?
Huge thanks to everyone who took part, volunteered & the generosity of the cafes & bars involved - it was such a special morning & we are so grateful to everyone who made it such a success.
Love and thanks, Fiona & committee xx xx ???]()
The inaugural O’tea’ly run! A lovely inclusive community event for Alfie’s charity with huge thanks to Shazia and the amazing team at @giveagiftleeds for making it all happen 💕🙏🏼 So much fun with @lovepopchoir It was great to see the fantastic turn out and so many in fancy dress too 🥳✨ 🎭 Huge thanks to everyone who took part, volunteered & the generosity of the cafes & bars involved - it was such a special morning & we are so grateful to everyone who made it such a success. Love and thanks, Fiona & committee xx xx 💕🙏🏼Button -
![Hope to see you tomorrow, don’t forget to register for the inaugural O’tea’ly Run ?✨?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjdgj8r527eo]()
Hope to see you tomorrow, don’t forget to register for the inaugural O’tea’ly Run 💕✨🎉 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjdgj8r527eoButton -
![Get ready to swap cocktails for teacups and join us for the O’Tealy Run - a fun, community-powered twist on Leeds’ famous Otley Run, all in support of a Alfie’s charity.
The O’Tealy Run brings people together for a light-hearted charity challenge celebrating Yorkshire’s love of tea, community spirit, and fundraising. Participants will travel between venues enjoying tea-themed stops, fancy dress, laughter, and plenty of Yorkshire charm - all while raising vital funds for Friends of Alfie Martin.
Every cup poured, every mile walked, and every donation made through the O’Tealy Run will help support neonatal care across Yorkshire and contribute towards equipment that gives tiny babies the best possible start.
Pls find the link in our bio to donate. ??
This event is about more than tea - it’s about community, compassion, and coming together to support families facing unimaginable challenges. Whether you’re joining for the fun, the fancy dress, the fundraising, or simply to make a difference, the O’Tealy Run promises a memorable day with heart at its centre.
Look forward to seeing you there ????]()
Get ready to swap cocktails for teacups and join us for the O’Tealy Run - a fun, community-powered twist on Leeds’ famous Otley Run, all in support of a Alfie’s charity. The O’Tealy Run brings people together for a light-hearted charity challenge celebrating Yorkshire’s love of tea, community spirit, and fundraising. Participants will travel between venues enjoying tea-themed stops, fancy dress, laughter, and plenty of Yorkshire charm - all while raising vital funds for Friends of Alfie Martin. Every cup poured, every mile walked, and every donation made through the O’Tealy Run will help support neonatal care across Yorkshire and contribute towards equipment that gives tiny babies the best possible start. Pls find the link in our bio to donate. 🙏🏼 This event is about more than tea - it’s about community, compassion, and coming together to support families facing unimaginable challenges. Whether you’re joining for the fun, the fancy dress, the fundraising, or simply to make a difference, the O’Tealy Run promises a memorable day with heart at its centre. Look forward to seeing you there 💕💙🙏🏼Button -
![☕? Join us this Sunday from 11am for the Family O’tea’ly Run! ?☕
You’ve heard of the Otley Run… now it’s time for the family-friendly version! Instead of pubs, we’ll be stopping at cafés along Otley Road for tea, coffee, cake, music and fun activities - no alcohol involved, just great company and a fantastic day out.
✨ Fancy dress is encouraged, so dig out your favourite costume and join in the fun!
? Start: Lavanta Restaurant, West Park
? Finish: Hyde Park, where Give a Gift will be providing a picnic.
Bring your friends, bring the kids, and enjoy a relaxed 2-mile stroll while supporting a brilliant cause.
We’d love to see you there! Fiona & the Alfie team with huge thanks to the @giveagiftleeds team ???
#familyfun
#fundraising]()
☕🎩 Join us this Sunday from 11am for the Family O’tea’ly Run! 🎩☕ You’ve heard of the Otley Run… now it’s time for the family-friendly version! Instead of pubs, we’ll be stopping at cafés along Otley Road for tea, coffee, cake, music and fun activities - no alcohol involved, just great company and a fantastic day out. ✨ Fancy dress is encouraged, so dig out your favourite costume and join in the fun! 📍 Start: Lavanta Restaurant, West Park 🏁 Finish: Hyde Park, where Give a Gift will be providing a picnic. Bring your friends, bring the kids, and enjoy a relaxed 2-mile stroll while supporting a brilliant cause. We’d love to see you there! Fiona & the Alfie team with huge thanks to the @giveagiftleeds team 🙏🏼💕 #familyfun #fundraisingButton -
![What an amazing day at the Zumbathon for Alfie’s charity! ✨?? What a fabulous experience shared with such an amazing group of ladies ??
A huge thank you to the Give A Gift team for organising such a fantastic event. You put together an incredible day and raised so much for Alfie’s charity too! ???
We were absolutely thrilled and honoured to be involved, and we loved every single minute ?✨ Thank you to everyone who came along, danced, donated and supported such a wonderful challenge
#Fundraising #Community #Zumbathon #Charity #MakingADifference ???]()
What an amazing day at the Zumbathon for Alfie’s charity! ✨💃🏼 What a fabulous experience shared with such an amazing group of ladies 💃🏼 A huge thank you to the Give A Gift team for organising such a fantastic event. You put together an incredible day and raised so much for Alfie’s charity too! 💙🙏🏼 We were absolutely thrilled and honoured to be involved, and we loved every single minute 💙✨ Thank you to everyone who came along, danced, donated and supported such a wonderful challenge #Fundraising #Community #Zumbathon #Charity #MakingADifference 💃🏼💕Button
