A WEYMOUTH postwoman has raised more than £1,000 for the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Dorset County Hospital.

Nina Blondeau, 42, braved a head shave to raise money for the unit after her close friend tragically lost her baby who was born prematurely.

Nina said: "I am absolutely overwhelmed by the support from friends, family and even people on my delivery route that have donated money.

"The friend it was for, Leanne and her partner Aaron, are so grateful.

"I want to say a big thank you to everyone for their support.

"I even had distant relatives from London come down and surprise me - I am absolutely chuffed."

Nina attracted a large crowd to The Wyke Smugglers on the weekend who came to support her fantastic achievement.

She told the Echo that she wanted to do something to support the threatened unit and praise the staff who carried her friend through a traumatic time.

As reported, the Kingfisher Ward and SCBU are facing an uncertain future in the Clinical Commissioning Group's (CCG) shake-up of Dorset's healthcare.

Nina said: "I am certainly backing the campaign.

"Both of the wards need to stay open.

"They are vital for the local community."

"The staff at SCBU were brilliant.

"They are the main reason the family got though it so well.

"It's what you need at a time like that."

Nina's initial target was £200 but she managed to almost double that in a week.

Nina said: "My favourite band, Replay, who play in Hope Square on Sundays throughout the summer had me do a collection from the crowd yesterday. managed to collect £231 and I'm absolutely stunned. They have supported me through this and even did a collection from their gig on Saturday lunchtime and came to see me after in the shaving in the Wyke Smugglers.

"The running total is now £1,181 and we still have money to collect."

To sponsor Nina visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/nina-blondeau-1