Parents and children in research study come together for summer picnic
Date published:
6 August 2025
Liverpool parents and children taking part in a ground-breaking study came together for a very special summer picnic.
The babies and their families taking part in the Children Growing Up in Liverpool (C-GULL) study enjoyed an afternoon of fun at The Bluecoat in Liverpool City centre.
C-GULL will follow the lives of 10,000 babies born in Liverpool, from early pregnancy through childhood and beyond, to help transform health outcomes in the city.
The picnic was also a chance for parents to meet up with members of the study team and get to know other mums and dads who are part of the project.
The study is a partnership between the University of Liverpool (UoL), the Wellcome Trust, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Liverpool City Council, and the Liverpool Women’s University Hospital (LWH).
Dr Andy Sharp, Director of Research and Development at LWH, Consultant Obstetrician at LWH and Senior Lecturer at UoL, joined other members of the study team at the event.
Dr Sharp said: “It was a pleasure to be at the party and meet the mums, dads and babies who are part of C-GULL. We are so grateful to them for giving up their time to take part.
“C-GULL is so important for a city like Liverpool because it will give us a better understanding of the challenges people here face and help us understand more about the link between complex health issues, pregnancy and early childhood.”
Dr Andrew Sharp, Director of Research and Development at LWH
It is the first large-scale birth cohort study of its kind in the region, and it has the potential to make a significant impact on our understanding of complex health issues.
In addition to activities for the families led by a local children's entertainment company, families were asked to share their hopes for future generations with a special wishing tree in the venue's secret garden.
Carly Williams, Lead Research Midwife for the study, said: "It was lovely to catch up with so many of our C-GULL parents and babies.
“We are so grateful to them for being part of the study and helping us discover more about the health of our local population and improving the chances of our children now and in the future.”
Participants in the study can choose their level of involvement, from sharing healthcare data to providing samples like hair, breast milk. Those who provide samples can receive vouchers worth over £100.
Researchers will analyse these samples to gain vital insights into the health of mums, parents, and babies in Liverpool. This will help build evidence to address current and future health challenges in the city.
The study is open to all those who are pregnant, aged 16 or over, and receiving care at Liverpool Women’s Hospital.
