DEDICATED workers at an insurance firm have raised more than £36,000 to help a unit supporting babies born prematurely.

Hiscox, based in Middleborough, Colchester, has been supporting Colchester General Hospital’s neonatal unit for more than a year.

The firm started fundraising last year and set a target of £24,000 after discovering many employees had children who had been looked after in the unit.

To date they have raised £36,534 and a cheque was presented to the hospital team yesterday.

The cash was raised through events, activities and match funding from the Hiscox foundation.

The money will go towards

purchasing a special incubator to enable the sickest babies to survive.

Now a 22-strong team of runners will be lacing up their running shoes and taking on the challenge of the Colchester Half Marathon to continue fundraising.

Co-chairmen of the Hiscox charity and social committee Debbie Clarke and Flic Keeble said: “Hiscox truly believes in giving something back to the community and it is a privilege each year to be able to present a sizeable sum to support charities.

“Supporting the neo-natal unit in Colchester Hospital has been humbling as there are so many babies who require the care.

“Having office collections for items such as Easter eggs and Christmas gifts for the ward allow us to spread a little cheer.

“In 2018 we donated a Christmas tree and lights to the ward to allow them to hang their memory pictures of babies who have been in the unit, along with presents for the nurses and families who would be spending time there over the festive season.

“The appreciation of all of these efforts makes our role really rewarding and we are grateful to all of the staff of the Colchester office who show their support each year with fundraising efforts.”

Colchester Half Marathon takes place on March 24.

If you want to donate or help with fundraising call Hiscox on 01206 773700.