A MOTHER whose twins are being cared for in the hospital's special care baby unit is backing a campaign to raise £1m for an entire new unit.
Penny Hayhurst's gave birth to Jack and Ruby on August 21 at 35 weeks - five weeks early.
Penny, 34, of Almond Croft, Wombwell, underwent a Caesarian section because doctors were concerned about Ruby's blood flow. She was born weighing just 3lbs 10oz, Jack was 5lbs 8oz.
Penny and her partner John Harper, 32, have pledged their support to the hospital's Tiny Hearts Appeal which aims to raise £1m over the next two years.
The current unit is on 3rd floor and has 14 cots.
Lead nurse Ben Dockerill said: "When the unit was built in the 1960s, it was built for ten cots but we currently have 14 and there just isn't enough room for parents and families around each cot."
Fund-raising manager Katie Cartwright said special packs had been put together to encourage the public, schools and businesses to get involved and the Alhambra and Sainsbury's have named Tiny Hearts as their chosen charities.
A social media campaign is being launched where people can donate £1 and a Great Barnsley Bake Off will allow people to take part in their own mini bake-offs.
Katie added: "“The new unit will make a massive difference to the lives of Barnsley’s special care babies and their families. An average pregnancy should last 40 weeks and when babies are born early it leads to a huge change in family plans. Not only do families have to deal with the stress of possibly losing their new baby, but they have to deal with the practical implications of their baby living on the Special Care Baby Unit."
