GENERATIONS of families who have benefited from York Hospital’s special care baby unit are rallying together to help more children in future.

Residents at Mulberry Court Care Home, at Clifton Park, Shipton Road, York, are staging a charity fun day in the hope of boosting the unit’s funds for more equipment.

Local businesses have lent support to the event on Thursday, from 2pm to 4pm, by donating prizes and providing children’s entertainment.

Sarah Stelling, activities co-ordinator at the home, said the special care baby unit was a cause close to people’s hearts, with many of the residents and staff having had grandchildren in the unit.

Sarah, a mother of four, received special care herself after being born more than six weeks early with health issues, when her chances of surviving were not considered strong.

The 29-year-old then gave birth to twins Amelie and Harry in January 2010 at 37 weeks.

Both received care in the unit, with Amelie also having to be transported to Hull Infirmary for further treatment after developing health problems.

“When they were born they had to wear doll’s clothes,” said Sarah, from Haxby.

“The special care baby unit were fantastic and gave them clothes, so now I donate all their baby clothes to the unit.”

Sarah, who also has two other children, Evie, five and Jack, two, said any money raised was “a bonus”, but hoped it would go towards a baby transporter pod for those, like Amelie, who need to be moved to other hospitals for specialist care. I think it is the safest option for children to be transported by ambulance.”

The fun day, which will also support the home’s residents’ fund, will include stalls and traditional family fun such as a dog show, children’s fancy dress, a tombola raffle, face painting, a bouncy play area and children’s competitions.

Jamie Sellers, of Wilfred Scruton Ltd, Riccall, is providing ride-on tractors on the day as well as prizes. Other raffle prizes include a night’s stay at Burn Hall, York City Football Club tickets, a bouquet of flowers from the Garden Of Eden, and a day’s membership at Roko Gym.

Admission is free. Businesses who would like to donate raffle prizes or funds, can phone Sarah at the nursing home on 01904 671122.