Aged just three days old Helston schoolgirl Keira Dunn spent a fortnight in the county’s neonatal unit, receiving specialist medical care.

Having been born five days late, weighing a healthy 7lb 2oz, she suddenly became unresponsive and unable to feed, which doctors at the Royal Cornwall Hospital diagnosed as being the result of a stroke caused by a rare genetic disorder, Incontinentia Pigmenti.

She spent six days in an incubator but after two weeks was finally able to go home with her family.

Now, 12 years on, Keira, has been left with physically disabilities and is partially sighted, with an educational delay, but is here to not only tell the tale but also raise money for the centre that helped save her life as a baby.

With the unit at Treliske in Truro now appealing for help in funding a major redevelopment, through the Cornwall Birth and Baby Appeal, the year seven pupil at Helston Community College decided she wanted to give something back.

With the help of her teacher Caroline Bloor, Keira – whose mum Belinda is joint owner of BeGorgeous hair and beauty salon in Coinagehall Street – organised a raffle and tombola for students and staff that raised £350. Prizes were donated by businesses in the area.

Describing Keira’s efforts as “incredible,” Caroline said: “Keira wanted to raise money for the unit because she was in the unit for two weeks, from the age of three days.

“She was incredibly well cared for and her family owe her survival to the wonderful team that look after all the sick and poorly babies.

“There are 20 cots in the neonatal unit which care for the high dependency and premature babies in Cornwall.

“Many thanks to everyone who donated prizes and bought tickets for such a wonderful cause.”