Nearly 670,000 babies are born in the UK each year and for most families it is a time of immense joy as well as relief when their child is born safely and is healthy. But sadly, not all births go as expected, particularly if the baby arrives early.

A full-term baby will arrive anywhere between 37 and 42 weeks, but about 1 in 12 babies come too early - that′s about 50,000 premature births each year, or 135 such births every day! The early arrival of a baby is a very worrying time for parents. They can feel helpless as they suffer the heartache of seeing their tiny baby surrounded by machinery and fighting for life.

Despite the best efforts of doctors and other health professionals, the UK has the highest rate of premature birth in Europe, but extraordinarily the reasons for this are not fully understood.

As a forward-thinking charity, Action Medical Research is creating a healthier future for everyone. Although we will still fund work into a wide range of diseases and conditions affecting all age groups, Touching Tiny Lives will give extra impetus towards solving the problems of pregnancy, childbirth and the early years.

Go to the get involved or giving sections to find out how you can help, or make a donation now.