FUNDRAISING students raised vital cash to help a hospital unit dedicated to neo-natal care.

New vital equipment has been purchased by the Neonatal Unit at Southampton Hospital with funds contributed by students at Totton College.

Money raised at a charity car boot sale and fun day organised by the BTEC Childcare group was put towards a selection of specialist bedding used to provide postural support to extreme pre-term babies.

The Level 3 students organised, promoted and delivered the community event on as part of their curriculum work and recently handed over the fruits of their labour.

In total £154.70 was accumulated on the day through face-painting, colouring competitions, build a buddy bear and SingTime sessions alongside the sale of goods donated by students and staff at the college.

Kendal Cooke, Childcare teacher at Totton said: “The students put all their efforts in to making this project work and their hard work paid off.

"They worked closely with staff at the Neonatal Unit and learnt about the important work they do.

“From marketing the event through to welcoming visitors on the day, they took full responsibility and should feel very proud of themselves.”

The funds are set to contribute towards a special light device to help medical staff locate a baby’s veins for inserting cannulas.

It was not just activities outside of the classroom that students at Totton College are excelling in.

Health & Social Care scholars the college are celebrating a record breaking year with 93 per cent gaining first choice places at University.

The group of BTEC Level 3 students are embarking on higher education courses this September, despite rife competition for places and NHS bursaries being axed from this year.

Those students not going on to University have secured employment in the care and teaching sectors, making the class of 2016 an all-round success.

The Health & Social Care teaching staff at Totton College are a proud team of former healthcare professionals, with a huge amount of experience, including nursing, psychology, medical education, care and social work.