A WOMAN who was born eight weeks premature gave up birthday presents on her 21st to raise money for the special care baby unit that saved her life.

Kelly Smith, of Pickersleigh Road, Malvern, asked for money instead of the gifts usually associated with the landmark birthday. As a result she raised £100 for the centre at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

The unit, which was then based at the Ronkswood section of the Worcester Royal Infirmary, cared for Miss Smith when she was born on March 18, 1986, weighing just two-and-a-half-pounds.

And, as if that wasn't enough, Miss Smith has another reason to thank them - her younger sister was also looked after there. Becky Smith, now aged 10, was born a month early, but, at a reasonably healthy 5lbs, she wasn't in as much danger.

Miss Smith, who puts her caring side to good use as a kennel assistant, said: "If it wasn't for the people at the unit, I would not have had a 21st birthday.

"I owe them my life and so I didn't think asking for donations instead of presents was that much of a sacrifice.

"I may not have raised thousands, but every bit counts."

Miss Smith celebrated her 21st birthday with a party at the Civil Service Club, Spring Lane, Malvern. The highlight was the appearance of Peter Spode, her headmaster from Somers Park Primary School, who arrived to see many of his past pupils now grown up.

She said: "I would like to take the money to the unit myself. I went there when I was 10 years old and met the nurse who looked after me.

"It holds a special place in my heart and, time-willing, I would like to continue to raise money for it."

The sisters' mum Diane said: "I had preeclampsia (toxemia of pregnancy) and had to have an emergency caesarian section with Kelly. My life and hers was in danger - they gave us both just a 50/50 chance of surviving."