FAMILIES of babies born prematurely are set to benefit from fundraising efforts at golf club.

Worcestershire Royal Hospital has received £750 towards its neonatal unit from the Bransford Golf Club in Worcester.

Mr Sheppard and his partner Jenny Bennett, both from Kempsey, donated the cheque after their grandson was cared for in the unit having been born 16 weeks premature.

Mr Sheppard said: “Our grandson had fantastic care when he was here in the unit six years ago. It’s a real eye opener to see all the equipment that’s available and the specialist care the staff provide.

“You don’t realise what goes on behind the scenes until you know someone who needs to use the unit. Thank goodness they are all here and we’re really grateful for what they’ve all done for our family.”

The golf club raised £1,500 in total, splitting the donation between the Neonatal Unit in Worcester and Bliss – a charity for babies born premature or sick.

Sharon Ali, matron for the Neonatal Unit, said: “We rely on donations like this to provide the little extra luxuries for families whose babies come to the unit. This money will go towards renovating the parents’ flat where they are able to stay overnight to be nearby their newborn baby.”