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Prime Minister honours leaders of surplus breast milk provision initiative
Theresa May congratulates Dr Natalie Shenker on 'pioneering service'
February 20, 2019 13:01
Theresa May congratulates Dr Natalie Shenker on 'pioneering service'
February 20, 2019 13:01Dr Natalie Shenker is the latest recipient of the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award, recognising those making a difference in their communities.
Alongside Gillian Weaver, who is also honoured, Dr Shenker established the Hearts Milk Bank, the UK’s first independent, non-profit service to provide surplus breast milk to feed babies in need.
Dr Shenker collaborated with Ms Weaver, a consultant on milk bank services, after undertaking a PhD in epigenetics and breast cancer risk. The pair realised the need for a new type of service that could bolster research into the benefits of breastfeeding, particularly for premature births, and counter the UK’s low rates of breastfeeding by providing greater equity of access to assured supplies of screened donor human milk.
It has supplied donor milk to feed more than 1,000 babies in 27 neonatal units in the UK and Ireland.
In a letter to Dr Shenker, Theresa May wrote: "Alongside Gillian, you have established a pioneering service that is transforming access to surplus breast milk across the UK. Your professional expertise and commitment to furthering research into the benefits of breastfeeding for premature babies is truly remarkable. You should feel incredibly proud of the invaluable support Hearts Milk Bank is providing."
The pair said they accepted the awards “on behalf of all the volunteers whose contributions ensure the success of the Hearts Milk Bank. The end result is that increasing numbers of families with poorly and premature babies, and babies with sick mothers, can receive safe, screened and specially treated donor human milk that can be so beneficial.”
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