A local grandfather has been hand-making wooden reindeers, selling them, and donating all the profits to the Hereford Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) where two of his grandchildren spent the earliest months of their life.

On a rainy day last year, Alan Ripley found he had lots of spare wood, so he decided to have a go at making a reindeer for Christmas. Everyone who visited wanted one, so he ended up making more and more, which he enjoyed doing.

Daisy Woodman, one of Alan’s granddaughters, who is now 12 years old, thought it would be a good idea to sell the reindeers this year, for £5 each, and donate the money to the Special Care Baby Unit.

Daisy chose Hereford SCBU because when she was born in Birmingham, she was more than three months premature, and she weighed just 1lb 6oz. Daisy’s mum, Teresa told the Ross Gazette: “She struggled with many health problems before she was transferred to Hereford SCBU when she was six weeks old and weighed a tiny 1lb 15oz.”

Teresa said that the unit and the Nurses on SCBU were amazing in the care they gave to Daisy and the support they gave her and Daisy’s father, Gary. Daisy was in hospital for more than four months.

Teresa said: “Even though she is now 12 years old, we still keep in contact with the SCBU and Daisy fully understands the traumatic, but special, start in life she had.”

On Daisy’s first birthday, in August 2004, she was featured on the front page of the Ross Gazette. The story celebrated the fact that the “tiny survivor” had made it, despite her difficult beginning.

In June of this year, Daisy’s cousin, Florence Smedley was born two months early, weighing 4lb 5oz. Florence’s health deteriorated in the first few days, and her weight dropped to 3lb 6oz.

Breathing became difficult for Florence; her lungs were not functioning properly as they were so immature. Florence spent six weeks in Hereford SCBU where she had a few medical problems, but the staff nursed her back to health. The staff also supported Florence’s parents, Dee and Gareth, whilst they went through this tough time. Florence is now six months old and very happy and healthy.

Teresa put out an advert for the reindeers, on the Ross-on-Wye Notice Board on Facebook, and she told the Gazette they have been selling like hot cakes ever since. Alan has also been dressing the reindeers in tinsel to add another special touch. So far, the family have raised £150 for Hereford SCBU.

Teresa told the Gazette: “The money will go towards positioning aids for developmental care for the preterm and small-for-gestational-age babies.”

Teresa explained that a number of people have made lovely comments on what a good cause the reindeers will benefit.

Alan Ripley said: “As a family, we have had two of our seven grandchildren nursed back to health by the dedicated and professional team in SCBU, which we will never forget.”