Wirral’s neonatal unit has received a donation of more than £100,000 to help develop the specialist care for sick and premature babies.

Donated by Ellesmere Port based manufacturer Greif Packaging Charitable Trust, the money will fund special monitors for babies and refurbish the parent facilities at Wirral Woman and Children’s Hospital.

Mum Simone Donnell whose daughter Chloe was born prematurely at 27 weeks and has been at the unit for 14 weeks, said: “From the babies’ point of view, you just want them to be in the best environment and from our point of view we just want to be next to them – it really takes away the stress.

“It’s amazing that they have donated the money, unless you’ve been in this situation it’s not a thought that’s in your mind.

“That amount of money is phenomenal – it’s so important.”

The donation will provide excellent care for the many babies arriving at the hospital and provide a comfortable space for families to stay and be with their children.

Consultant Dr Oliver Rackham, who is based at the neonatal unit, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Greif Packaging Charitable Trust for this fantastic donation.

“This will be huge boost to unit that will benefit so many babies and families. Not only will it help us enhance the care we provide for the sick and premature babies but it will allow us to provide better comforting facilities within the unit itself for parents who are going through what is likely the most difficult time of their lives.”

Secretary of Greif Packaging Charitable Trust David Tillotson said: “The trust is delighted to be making this donation to the Wirral University Teaching Hospital’s Neonatal Unit.

“When the unit applied for financial assistance, the Trustees thought that this project would fit in well with the trust’s aim, which is to help disadvantaged children whose development is impeded by events or their circumstances.”