Britain’s leading pram-maker has pledged to continue funding vital research into premature births and other pregnancy problems.

Donations by Skipton-based Silver Cross have been recognised by the Genesis Research Trust, whose pioneering work has been supported by the firm’s financial support.

Alan Halsall, Silver Cross chairman, received a commemorative plaque from leading genetics expert Professor Lord Robert Winston, in recognition of the firm’s donations over the past two years.

The presentation took place at Hammersmith Hospital in front of a team of scientists and trustees of the charity at the Wolfson and Weston Institute for Family Health.

Silver Cross has enabled leading scientists at the institute to undertake two major new studies into the prediction of early preterm birth and to find markers in the lining of the womb to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes before birth.

Genesis Research Trust helps finance the largest UK collection of scientists and clinicians working to understand the causes of many conditions that affect the health of mothers and babies.

Prof Winston, trust chairman, said: “I am delighted that our charity has become a partner of the UK’s longest-established pram manufacturer. The support from Silver Cross is helping us to achieve that which we hold most dear: a happy and healthy family.”

Alan Halsall said: “At Silver Cross, we are delighted to support the important work of Genesis Research Trust. Silver Cross is keen to support small charities where we feel we can make a difference. We believe we have found a very impressive charity, under the inspired leadership of Professor Robert Winston.

“Silver Cross is the UK’s premier British baby brand, and we are thrilled to be supporting such an inspirational organisation. The funds to date have supported research and will continue to do so in the coming year.

“Despite countless advances in medical science, we still do not always understand why some pregnancies will end in tragedy.”

Mr Halsall said the work of Genesis Research Trust was vital, as about 250 babies are dying weekly in the UK from complications during pregnancy: one in eight babies are born prematurely; one in five women experience miscarriage; and one in 200 babies are stillborn Silver Cross is a family-owned business which was established in 1877 and now operates in countries worldwide.