Southend Hospital's baby unit has received vital new equipment, thanks to a family who raised money rather than collect flowers after a relative died.

The monitoring device, which warns staff if babies' blood sugar levels drop too low, was bought with funds raised for the late Edith Mills from Benfleet.

A plaque will be placed on the equipment in memory of the family's much-loved grandmother, who leaves behind her husband Richard, son Robert and four grandchildren.

A spokesman for the Hugo Liebesuetz unit said: "This generous gift will benefit those new-born babies who require high levels of care.

"We thank the Mills family and their friends for their support."

Supportive family - the Mills show off the monitoring device they have funded for Southend Hospital's baby unit

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

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