CARING mother Julie Stead decided that, on reaching the big 40, she wanted to do something special to mark the occasion.

And as well as celebrating her birthday, the Leeming mum decided to help the special care baby unit at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton.

To say thank you to the unit's staff for looking after her son, Oliver, when he was born, she asked family and friends to make donations instead of giving her birthday presents.

Her inititiative raised more than £100.

Sister Anne Wall, of the unit, said: "It was kind of Julie to think of us and to give up her birthday treats to help us.

"We are very grateful and will use the money to help care for tiny babies who are born prematurely at the hospital."