Kelly's 21st birthday gift to baby unit (From Malvern Gazette)

Kelly's 21st birthday gift to baby unit

3:06pm Monday 2nd April 2007

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A WOMAN who was born eight weeks premature forwent birthday presents on her 21st to raise money for the special care baby unit that saved her life.

Kelly Smith, of Pickersleigh Road, Malvern, asked for money instead of the gifts usually associated with the landmark event. As a result she raised £100 for the centre at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

The unit, which was then based at the Ronkswood section of the Worcester Royal Infirmary, cared for Kelly when she was born on March 18 1986, weighing just two-and-a-half-pounds.

And as if that wasn't enough, Kelly has another reason to thank them - her younger sister was also looked after there.

Becky Smith, now aged 10, was born a month early, but at a reasonably healthy five pounds, she wasn't in as much danger.

Kelly, who puts her own caring side to good use as a kennel assistant, said: "If it wasn't for the people at the unit, I would not have had a 21st birthday.

"I owe them my life and so I didn't think asking for donations instead of presents was that much of a sacrifice. I may not have raised thousands, but every bit counts."

Kelly celebrated her 21st birthday with a party at the Civil Service Club in Spring Lane, Malvern. The highlight was the appearance of her headmaster from Somers Park Primary School, Peter Spode, who arrived to see many of his past pupils now all grown up.

She added: "I would like to take the money to the unit myself. I went there when I was 10 years old and met the nurse that looked after me. It holds a special place in my heart and, time-willing, I would like to continue to raise money for it."

Mum Diane said: "I had Preeclampsia (Toxemia of Pregnancy) and had to have an emergency Caesarian Section with Kelly. My life and hers was in danger - they gave us both just a 50/50 chance of surviving.

"We try to do as much as we can for the unit."

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