Paralympic medallist Robyn Love leads BBC Radio 4 Appeal to support new parents as NCT marks 70 years

The appeal comes as NCT marks its 70th anniversary year of supporting parents through pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. Since 1956, NCT has helped generation of women and parents navigate the realities of becoming a parent, with trusted information, practical support and welcoming communities. 

In a broadcast which will first go out on Sunday 16 August, NCT will be seeking donations to support its wider infant feeding work, including its network of more than 40 Baby Cafés. These free drop-in sessions across the country give parents practical, non-judgemental support with feeding their baby, whether they are breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, expressing or starting solids, alongside a welcoming community where they can connect with others and share their experiences. 

When preparing for the arrival of their daughter Alba in 2023, Robyn and her partner Laurie Williams, her Team GB wheelchair basketball teammate, turned to NCT for antenatal information and support. As first-time parents, they found the charity's open and non-judgemental approach “invaluable”.  

“It was about the reality of being a parent, and finding a way through that works for us”, she explains.

And after Alba was born, that support continued. Support that NCT offers to all pregnant people and new parents – with no judgement and no exceptions.  

As Robyn says:  

“Early parenthood can feel intense and, at times, isolating. Every parent’s journey is different, but everyone deserves support they can trust. For us, having reliable information and a sense of community made a real difference in those early days. I’m proud to be presenting NCT’s Radio 4 Appeal and helping to raise vital funds so future generations of parents can get the support they need.”    


Jaine Sykes, Director of Marketing and Engagement at NCT, added:  
“We are so grateful to have Robyn’s support for this appeal, especially in such as special year for NCT as we mark 70 years of supporting women and parents. 

“What comes through so clearly in Robyn’s story is that those early weeks and months can be wonderful, but they can also feel overwhelming. Feeding your baby is often a big part of that, and parents need support that is practical, evidence-based and free from judgement – whatever feeding looks like for them.  

“That’s what NCT is here to provide – whether parents come to our free drop-in Baby Cafés, call our Infant Feeding Line for reassurance and guidance, or turn to the PIF-tick accredited information on our website when they need trusted, evidence-based guidance they can trust.  

“Across all this work, our aim is the same: to listen, to understand, and to help parents find a way forward that feels right for them and their baby.  

“By donating to this appeal, you will be helping us to keep our Baby Cafés free for parents and babies, while also supporting the wider infant feeding help NCT offers – so more parents can access support whenever and however they need it.” 

The BBC Radio 4 appeal will broadcast on Sunday 16 August at 7.54am and 9.25pm and will be repeated on Thursday 20 August at 3.27pm. Donations can be made via the BBC's appeal webpage from 16 August.