THE Countess of Chester Hospital’s fundraising team have spoken of their delight as plans for a new neonatal unit are lodged with the council.

Lesley Woodhead, Head of Fundraising, said she felt enormous pride after almost five years of hard work by her team and the people of Chester.

Backed by its media partner The Standard, The Babygrow Appeal raised a whopping £2.4 million from its launch in 2013.

The money will pay for a new extended unit that, once complete, will be more than twice the size of the current one.

Subject to approval by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning committee, it is hoped that work will begin on the facility in October with a grand opening pencilled in for September next year.

“I feel immensely proud,” said Lesley. “It makes all that standing in the cold with buckets worthwhile!”

Major events in the city that have helped raise cash for the appeal include the Santa Dash, Duck Race, and MBNA Chester Marathon.

The existing neonatal unit was built in 1974 and its design has become out-dated. The new building will not only be packed with state-of-the-art, life-saving technology, it will also focus on providing space, privacy and as much comfort as possible for the tots and their families.

Lesley added: “We have had so much support from individuals, businesses and the community across Chester we are really grateful and could not have done it without you.

“Special thanks go to The Standard for all your coverage and help. This has had a major impact on the appeal.”

* In the coming weeks, The Standard will be bringing our readers exclusive coverage of the plans, and what they mean to the staff and the families that will use the new unit.

For Thursday’s edition of the paper, Lesley gave our team a detailed look at what the facility will contain.