WORKMEN are set to start replacing old facilities at the Royal Cornwall Hospital's Daisy Suite with new equipment thanks to Ella's Memory.

Martyn and Emmillie Selley, from Newbridge in Truro, launched the charity earlier this year after losing their newborn child last December.

The Daisy Suite is a unit within the maternity wing for parents coming to terms with the loss of an unborn child.

The couple have raised more than £15,000 to overhaul facilities within the room.

Now, after months of wrangling and ensuring their scheme meets infection control and other hospital standards, they have been given the green light to begin work. "We are pleased that all our efforts are finally paying off," said Mr Selley.

The couple originally wanted to replace the old sofa bed and install a "memory box" and camera for parents but, after months of fundraising, it was left with enough cash to completely overhaul the room.

Memories

"We are putting in new windows and a door leading to the baby memory garden," said Mr Selley, who wanted a separate exit for grieving couples who are currently forced to leave the unit through the main entrance, passing mothers with newborn babies.

"That was the hardest thing for Emmillie to face, leaving that room with just a box of memories while seeing other women holding their babies," he said.

The unit will close next month for about five weeks while workmen install new flooring, a new kitchen, radiators, bathroom, sofa bed and flat screen television.

The charity is also installing an industrial washing machine to wash its own linen bought for the unit.

"It is a total refurbishment which wouldn't have been possible without those people that have embraced everything we have wanted to do," said Mr Selley.

"The Daisy Suite will be a tribute to all those who have given their time, donated goods or supported us in any way they can. It's a fantastic achievement."