Staff at Gloucestershire accountancy firm, Hazlewoods, have raised £17,100 for Scoo-B-Doo, their charity of the year for 2017/18.

Employees took part in a variety of fundraising events to help raise money for the charity, which supports the Neonatal Unit at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

Scoo-B-Doo was established in 1982 by parents, doctors and nurses to help care for sick and premature babies from Gloucestershire and the surrounding areas. With the NHS under constant financial pressure, the money Scoo-B-Doo raises helps to maintain the service that is critical to the survival of such vulnerable babies. Over 80 per cent of the equipment used every day in the unit has been funded by Scoo-B-Doo to give the babies the best possible care.

Dr Miles Wagstaff, consultant on the Neonatal Unit and chair of Scoo-B-Doo said: "On behalf of Scoo-B-Doo and the Neonatal Unit, I would like to say how grateful we are to have received such a large donation from Hazlewoods.

"Whilst funding is an issue for much of the NHS, we struggle more than most here on the Neonatal Unit as we rely on so much technology and equipment to care for our babies, especially the sickest and smallest.

"We are constantly needing to buy new and replacement equipment, and whilst we are grateful for all donations, such a large one like this will make such a difference. Unfortunately even the most basic but essential medical equipment, such as incubators, cost many thousands of pounds, so such a large donation as this will make a big difference."

Hazlewoods staff raises money through events including sponsored sporting events, dress down days, quizzes and staff socials.

Andy Harris, partner of Hazlewoods Social Committee, said: "Our staff and partners have worked really hard all year to raise as much as possible for Scoo-B-Doo. This year's total is our highest ever, and we are pleased to help the staff at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital to continue their wonderful work."