THE POWER OF CORPORATE SUPPORT: THE PERSONAL REASON BEHIND SIEMENS ENERGY SUPPORT FOR TINY LIVES 

When Siemens Energy colleagues voted to support Tiny Lives in 2025 it wasn’t just a corporate decision, it was based on a deep personal connection for one of their colleagues. 

Sarah Preston, Health and Wellbeing Lead at Sieman’s Energy saw Tiny Lives work first hand when her niece spent time on the ward. In October 2007, Sarah’s sister Clare gave birth to twin girls seven weeks early. Emily was tiny but strong enough to go home from the parents and baby unit after a few weeks. Mia, however, was born with TOFS and spent her short life in the high-dependency unit on Ward 3.

Looking back now, Sarah says the support Clare and her family received during that time meant everything. The neonatal staff welcomed them onto the ward at any time, even after Emily had been discharged, and the advice and reassurance Clare received proved invaluable during the most difficult days of their lives. Tiny Lives was there quietly in the background, helping to ensure families like theirs felt supported, informed and cared for and that experience has stayed with Sarah ever since.

When Siemens Energy began planning its annual Challenge event and invited colleagues to nominate a local charity, Sarah was proud to put forward Tiny Lives Trust, a cause close to her heart. Having event managed the Challenge for the past six consecutive years, supporting a range of different charities, it was Sarah’s drive and passion that once again led the entire initiative from the front. After ten nominations were received and a business-wide poll was shared, she was absolutely delighted when Tiny Lives was chosen, making this year’s Challenge particularly meaningful.

In the weeks leading up to the Challenge weekend, Tiny Lives visited the Siemens Energy office to deliver Neonatal Awareness Training. For many staff, it was their first real insight into the neonatal journey and the vital role the charity plays for families across the region.

The Challenge weekend itself brought together more than 80 participants and volunteers and raised an incredible £26,000. For Sarah, standout moments included watching teams support each other through high-rope trust holds, canoe challenges and even the creation (and enthusiastic eating) of some truly questionable campfire cakes, but her favourite moment came at the end, when the final fundraising total was announced and the pride on every participant’s face reflected not just the money raised, but the effort and teamwork behind it.

In 2026 Siemens Energy has chosen to continue to support Tiny Lives and Sarah hopes to stay involved in organising future challenges.

For her the impact goes far beyond fundraising, she has seen how it brings people together, builds confidence and creates purpose, and for families starting their neonatal journey, she has one message – you are not alone. Tiny Lives will walk this path with you, just as they did with her family, and she is encouraging more people to use their platforms and networks to support our work into this year and beyond. 

Visit our corporate supporters page to find out more about what your support means to Tiny Lives and how your business can get involved: https://www.tinylives.org.uk/corporate/