STAFF at a special babies unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital have urged more kind-hearted county residents to dig deep and raise cash to buy vital equipment.

The Evening News launched its Tiny Tots Appeal two weeks ago in a bid to raise thousands of pounds to fund the purchase of a host of technology for the Royal's neo-natal unit, which cares for premature babies.

The "wish list" includes monitors and alarms that alert staff that babies have stopped breathing - all needed to save more premature babies lives this Christmas.

All the unit's staff, from cleaners to doctors, work tirelessly, around-the-clock to ensure the tiny tots have a fighting chance of survival.

Sally Clelland is a senior dietician, and plays a vital role in helping the babies - some born three months too early - become bigger and stronger.

"I get called to the unit when a baby isn't gaining weight and I have to put extra calories into their feed to help them grow," she said.

"It's a very specialist job and requires complex maths to ensure the right amount of calories are being given. If you give just four calories too much it can be more than a very tiny baby can cope with.

"It's a great job and I really enjoy working with the families and watching the babies get better."

And Sally whole-heartedly backed the Tiny Tots Appeal, adding: "Anybody could have a premature baby that needs specialist intervention.

"Both the babies, mums, dads and us need this equipment, which unfortunately is very costly and I would really encourage people to help us raise the money to buy it."

Emma Slater, nursery nurse at the unit, also plays a key part in the babies' recovery.

"I look after the babies that are getting bigger and better and I can look after up to six at one time," she said.

"I build up really good relationships with the parents and help them build up their confidence with feeding and bathing them as many find it scary because the babies are so small.

"It's very rewarding to see the babies getting well enough to come home and nothing tops the feeling of seeing the parents bring them in six months down the line to say 'thank you' and show how big and healthy they are.

"The Tiny Tots appeal is a really good cause and we need as much equipment as we can get."

Assistant housekeeper June Barnett, who is passionate about keeping the unit bug-free to protect the babies, added: "Every little bit helps - so please make a donation."

Are you doing a special event to rise money for the Tiny Tots Appeal or do you want to share your happy experience at the neo-natal ward? Call Evening News health reporter Emma Cullwick on 01905 742254.