Desire by Debenhams, a new concept department store, is due to hold a charity fundraising day in aid of the Early Births Fund at Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals. The day will take place on Saturday the 10th May 2008 from 11am till 5pm at Desire byDebenhams at The Heart shopping centre in Walton-on-Thames.

The workers organizing the fundraiser are Gemma Styles (Clarins Manager), Bianca Woods (Lancome Manager), Charlotte Thornton (Benefit Manager), Charley Burgess (Estee Lauder), Lisa Seymour (Clinique Manager) and Nick Gibbs (Store Support).

Gemma said: “We thought of the idea when we heard of a family whose baby was born nine weeks prematurely at St. Peter’s. The newborn was cared for in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for over two months and is now doing well. The family is grateful for the hard work and support of the unit during this time and they would like the public to know what love, dedication and care goes into caring for a child.  When we heard that the total cost of equipment to care for just one intensive care baby is £82,000, we wanted to help. ”

This real life experience inspired the team to begin planning a Fundraising event. The charity event will raise money to purchase high-tech equipment for the NICU which cares for 90% of the sick and premature babies born in Surrey.

Bianca commented: “It will be a great day out for all with face painting, treats and a treasure hunt for the children and makeovers and pampering sessions for the adults.”

The treasure hunt will involve hiding teddy bears around the store for children to find. This will be similar to a game of hide-and-seek but with teddies to locate instead of people! Adults are able to have make-overs or pampering sessions on the cosmetic counters with a suggested donation of £1 for the worthy cause.

Debenhams has generously donated over £1,700 worth of cosmetic products, such as Clinique, Clarins, Estee Lauder,Lancome and Benefit. The products will be placed in hampers that will be given as prizes for the raffles taking place during the day. Other raffle prizes include a women’s clothing shopping spree and a men’s skincare hamper. Raffle tickets can be purchased for £1 or you can buy 8 for £5. It’s all for an excellent cause!

For anyone who needs to know more about the event, please call the Desire store on 01932 233511 and ask for a member of the cosmetics team.