Pauline Woods our founder
A Tribute to Pauline Woods MBE
Founder of the Born Too Soon Charity
Pauline Woods was a mother who walked the Neonatal Unit journey herself, a journey filled with fear, hope, and the fragile uncertainty that only parents of premature or sick babies truly understand. Instead of closing that chapter and moving on, she chose to dedicate her life to supporting families who found themselves in the same vulnerable place.
From that lived experience, Born Too Soon was created. Pauline became a constant presence on the Neonatal Unit: a reassuring voice, a comforting hand, and a source of strength when everything felt overwhelming.
Pauline poured her energy, her empathy, and her entire heart into the charity. She raised over £3 million, ensuring families had the emotional support, equipment, and comfort they needed during the most difficult days of their lives. Pauline was also awarded an MBE in recognition of her work for Born Too Soon.
Staff admired her tireless dedication. Families trusted her instantly. She had a rare gift which was the ability to understand without needing explanation, to comfort without judgement, and to bring hope to the families going through one of the toughest moments of their lives.
In Loving Memory
In 2025, Pauline Woods sadly passed away. Her loss is felt deeply by everyone whose lives she touched; parents, staff who worked alongside her, and the wider community who admired her unwavering commitment.
Stories of Love and Gratitude
Experiences from families whose lives Pauline touched
“She was the first person who asked how I was.”
The first time Pauline came to see me, I was alone, frightened, and trying to make sense of what had just happened. She introduced herself, explained her role, and immediately put me at ease. She asked about my baby, talked me through everything, and then gently asked, “But how are you?” It was the first time anyone had asked about me.
For the next six weeks, she was always there, answering questions, taking photos, creating memory cards, and offering reassurance. Her strength and courage were extraordinary. She truly was an inspirational woman.
“You looked after me while the medical team looked after my babies.”
The first 24 hours were a blur. Early the next morning, Pauline arrived with news and photos of my babies, exactly what I needed. She brought little cards with their birth times and weights and reassured me that they were doing well.
She held my hand as I met them, took precious photos, and explained the machines and wires in a way I could understand. She translated medical language into something human.
Over the next ten days, she kept me updated, helped me cope with setbacks, and gave me hope when I had none. Today, when I look at my lively children, I still think of the tiny babies in those photos, photos she took with such care. She turned a devastating experience into something we can look back on with gratitude.
“Your warmth carried us through the most frightening hours.”
In those disorienting early hours on the Neonatal Unit, Pauline’s instinct to reassure stood out. She noticed what my older child would enjoy and brought a small gift that meant the world. She shared her own experiences, listened to our fears, and offered comfort when everything felt overwhelming.
Her warmth and empathy will stay with us forever.
“She made the impossible feel manageable.”
Our baby was born very early, and the Neonatal Unit was a world we had never seen before. Pauline took the time to explain every machine, every sound, and every step. She made something terrifying feel just a little more manageable.
She encouraged us to take moments for ourselves, reminding us that our baby was safe. She captured our baby’s first photo when I couldn’t get out of bed, a gesture that meant more than words can express.
Years later, when we returned with another baby, the welcome was just as warm. Pauline’s dedication shaped our entire experience. She truly is one in a million.
“She held us when we needed holding.”
Pauline was a hug, a listening ear, and a fierce advocate. She comforted us when we cried, understood our fear and despair, and stood by us when we struggled to make sense of what was happening. She spoke to us like a friend and supported us when we disagreed with medical decisions.
She brought us closer to the baby we had to leave behind each day, through photos, blankets, and thoughtful gifts. Her kindness was immeasurable, and we will never be able to repay all she did.