AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD’S fundraising exploits are set to give a baby unit in Basingstoke a boost after she raised hundreds for it.

Mary Land-Wilkins, a pupil at Four Lanes Community Junior School, held a special sale at The Chineham Arms to generate funds for Basingstoke hospital’s Neonatal Unit.

The youngster managed to raise an impressive £533.86 for the unit, which treats newborn babies in need of special care.

Teddies, books, sweets and cakes were sold as well as a tombola in the garden of the pub, while the proceeds of a quiz also went to the appeal.

And Mary was given the opportunity to visit the hospital to see what exactly her donations will do to help.

Mary said: “I just wanted to help babies that are born early to grow and get better, so I am really pleased to have raised this much money.

“I did not expect to raise so much, so thank you to everybody who came and bought things from me.”

The money will be used to help buy a new reclining chair, which makes it easier for new mums to breastfeed, and apnoea monitors, which check a baby’s breathing while they are asleep.

Grazia Sinar, clinical matron on the Neonatal Unit at Basingstoke hospital, which is run by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are all really grateful for Mary’s effort and generosity.

“She has done a fabulous job to raise so much money and everybody is really touched that she thought of us.”

“She accumulated a huge amount of unwanted toys to sell, all in fabulous condition, and used her own money to buy sweets to sell,” mum Georgina Land-Wilkins said.

“I am constantly amazed at the amount of energy and drive she has.”