A grandma has raised £3,000 by to say thanks to health services that cared for her prematurely born granddaughter.

Little Alice Whiteman arrived nine weeks early, weighing just 2lbs 2oz, on December 18 and needed specialist care from St Helier Hospital’s neonatal unit and Epsom Hospital’s special care baby unit.

Her grandmother Kay Whiteman said: “We were obviously delighted when Alice was born, but we knew she would need lots of extra care as she was born at only 31 weeks and three days.”

Kay and friend Kenny Mould entered the 10k London Winter Race to raise money and handed the cheque to staff on April 7.

Senior sister Geraldine Cotter said: “This is such wonderful, generous gift. On behalf of the whole unit, I’d like to thank Kay, Jenny and everyone who sponsored them. The money they have raised will make a big difference to the unit and the families we help.

“The whole occasion was made even more special by Alice and Harriet coming along, too. It is always such a joy when the babies we care for come back for a visit. Alice is doing so well – she’s now 17 weeks old and weighs over 8lbs, which shows just how far she has come.”