Worthing Mum's Campaign Leads to New Parental Leave Law for Premature Babies

A Worthing mother’s decade-long campaign has led to a new UK law granting extended paid leave to parents of premature babies, set to come into effect from 6 April 2025.

Kerry Myles, whose son Alfie was born at just 26 weeks while she was on holiday in the United States, spent over three months in neonatal intensive care. Inspired by her experience, she began working with the charity The Smallest Things to push for legislative change, advocating for more support for parents in similar situations.

Myles’ efforts included petitioning Parliament, engaging with her local MP, raising funds through a 26km run in honour of her son, and championing the charity’s “Employer with Heart” charter. In 2022, she became a trustee of the charity and assumed the role of Chair in 2025. Her campaign contributed to securing over 357,000 petition signatures and multiple Parliamentary readings, culminating in the new Neonatal Leave & Pay entitlements.

Although Myles will not personally benefit from the new law, she welcomed its introduction, saying it will allow families time to bond, adjust, and recover following the trauma of neonatal intensive care. The Smallest Things founder, Catriona Ogilvy, said the legislation marked a vital step in recognising the unique challenges faced by families with premature babies.