Daniel Kynatson, and his partner JJ Demster have set up Hugs Not Drugs charity

A new charity, Hugs Not Drugs, has been set up by a Preston man along, with his partner and nephew, to help babies that are born addicted to drugs.

Daniel Kynatson, and his partner JJ Demster, from the Riversway area, are looking for support with their charity that was originally set up in March this year.

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The aim of the non-profit charity is to raise money and awareness for babies who have been subject to drug misuse in the womb.

Babies subject to substance misuse are extremely sensitive to their surroundings, especially the clothing on their skin, and so Hugs Not Drugs helps to provide warm, soft clothing, blankets and other comforting items for them.

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Studies in America have also shown that babies who have more human contact, such as being held, or hugged, can have a speedier recovery.

This affection, along with a calming environment, can have a highly positive impact on them, however in lots of cases, the mother is not in a position to provide these things as she is coping with her own recovery.

Hugs Not Drugs, will therefore provide carefully selected, fully CRB checked volunteers to relieve the strain from paid hospital workers.

JJ Demster said: “There is a big drive for this movement in the USA, and Dan was really affected by it so we want to push it forward here, instead of just America.

“There needs to be more awareness, as it’s something no one wants to admit – that their child has been born with an addiction.

“We speak to local midwives, and try to find a way to help.

“Babies born with addictions need skin-on-skin contact and so we try and help out, as sometimes their parents aren’t able to give them this.

“We hold fundraisers, collection buckets and have people supporting us with their events, such as White Collar Boxing Events.

“If anyone has connections to help with our effort, or wants to come forward and talk, then please get in touch with us.”

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Two of Daniel’s friends, Billy and Dana, who are engaged, are using their wedding to help fundraise for the charity.

They have set up a Just Giving page, and are requesting that people donate to the charity Hugs Not Drugs instead of buying them wedding gifts. Their aim is to raise a total of £350.

If you would like to get involved with the Hugs Not Drugs charity, you can contact them on their website, or donate to their Go Fund Me page.

You can keep up to date with the charity by following them on Facebook.

Do you know the Hugs Not Drugs charity? Have you been involved in any fundraising recently? Let us know in the comments below