Special care baby unit gets cash boost

COMBE Martin firefighters held an open day to raise money for a special baby care unit at North Devon Hospital.

The event at Combe Martin fire station on Sunday was organised by Parents of Premature and Sick Infants to raise funds for the unit.

Members of the fire service washed cars in the morning and then opened up the station in the afternoon for the public.

There were chip-pan fire demonstrations and safety talks from firemen along with face painting and a bouncy castle for people to enjoy.

A total of £250 was raised for the special baby care unit and a small donation was also made to the firefighters benevolent fund.

Amanda-Jayne Staddon from the Parents of Premature and Sick Infants group, said: "It was fantastic, they worked really hard and washed 36 cars.

"A couple of the men had children in the special care unit so they really wanted to help out, which was pleasing.

"It was obviously also an important event for youngsters as the firemen were explaining what to do and not to do with a fire."

Fundraising by the group has helped purchase new breathing apparatus and incubators.

An auction in Combe Martin in October 2008 held at the Royal Marine raised £2,500 for the group.

Tradesmen in and around the village auctioned off themselves as part of the event.

Amanda added: "We would like to say a big thank you to Combe Martin, the village has been so supportive."