ARROWE Park Hospital's campaign to refurbish its neonatal unit has received some festive cheer in shape of £4,000 from a Runcorn-based kitchen firm.

Members of Howden's Joinery Limited's plant presented Arrowe Park Hospital's Tiny Star's charity appeal staff with a cheque and donated Christmas presents for children who will be in hospital over the festive period.

The funds were raised during Howden's staff festivities and donating presents for children who are in hospital over the festive season.

Michael Bilton, site engineering manager for the kitchen-making firm and Laurence Parr, site manager at Howdens Joinery Limited were welcomed by Wirral University Teaching Hospital's acting director of finance, Karen Edge as they presented a £4,000 cheque donation to the Wirral University Teaching Hospital Trust charity.

Laurence Parr said: "Each year we at our Runcorn plant, donate to a charity and this year we are delighted to support the Tiny Stars appeal.

"The money donated has been raised through fundraising events at the site's Children's Christmas party and through donations from key suppliers.

"It is a pleasure to help reach the target needed to enable the refurbishment of the Neonatal Unit here at Arrowe Park Hospital."

Karen Edge, acting director of finance added: "It is fantastic to see corporate companies supporting our appeal for the Neonatal Unit, which helps our most poorly babies.

"The refurbishment will make a huge difference to the families treated on the unit, at such a difficult time."

The Neonatal Unit is one of two Level 3 (highest level) intensive care units in Merseyside and Cheshire.

It is the only unit in the area to provide both adult and Level three neonatal intensive care on the same site at Arrowe Park, meaning families can stay together at a crucial time.

The Tiny Stars appeal will run for the next three years and has a target of £1.5 million which will be used to provide the extensive refurbishment of the Unit.

Victoria Burrows, head of fundraising said: "We are thrilled with the support Howdens Joinery Limited have given the appeal this festive season.

"I would like to thank all their staff who have donated so generously to help us reach our goal.

"We welcome all corporate support and we invite anyone who would like to get involved to get in touch."

For more information about WUTH Charity and the Tiny Stars appeal, go to www.wuthcharity.org, email wuth.charity@nhs.net or call into the Charity Office at the main entrance of Arrowe Park Hospital.