Avon Cosmetics is continuing its legacy of supporting its local community by awarding £5,000 to the Special Care Baby Unit at Kettering General Hospital.

Nominated by Avon Associates at its Corby site through the Associates Choice scheme, this money will make a real difference to the dedicated unit.

KGH Special Care Baby Unit is a neonatal intensive care unit which looks after the welfare of newborn babies, mainly those born premature or who require some form of special high dependency or intensive care nursing. The funds raised will be used to purchase a new cardiac monitor to closely observe poorly and premature babies.

Voting for the Special Care Bay Unit was driven by Avon Northampton associate Anis Collins, who spent 6 weeks at KGH Special Care Baby Unit 27 years ago when her son was critically ill.

Anis Collins, Senior Support Planner, says: “I chose this particular charity as it is very close to my heart. It means a lot to be able to support such a good cause and it’s always important to give something back. I have recently been inspired as two friends have had very ill premature babies who have been treated there and both are now safely home.

“I clearly remember the hard work, passion and dedication that all the doctors and nurses had when caring for the babies and for the support they gave to worried parents.

“We are very lucky to have this amazing Special Care Baby Unit on our doorstep with such dedicated staff.”

Maxine Andrews, Fundraising Officer, says: “Every donation we receive helps us to enhance the care we are able to give to the babies we look after. This donation will mean that we can continue to ensure the babies are monitored closely from the moment they arrive at KGH.”

“We would like to give a huge thanks to Anis for her nomination. We are always extremely touched to receive support from our local community.

“The new cardiac monitor will mean that in addition to the doctors, nurses and the baby’s family, the baby has something else watching over him too.”

Avon is committed to improving lives and making a real difference both nationally and in the local community. Whether it be through its long standing commitment to local charity Crazy Hats, or through initiatives like Associates Choice and its Female Empowerment Fund with Northamptonshire Community Foundation.