A doting grandmother and founding member of a children’s charity has admitted that she could not imagine doing anything other than supporting families in need.

Surbiton woman Pauline Woods decided to start up Born Too Soon after having four premature babies that were cared for at Kingston Hospital, which had very basic equipment at the time.

She has been serving the community for nearly 30 years now as the co-ordinator for the charity that cares for up 500 babies a year.

Born Too Soon offers support to parents who have had a premature baby or currently have babies being cared for at the neonatal unit at Kingston Hospital.

On asking what Mrs Wood would be doing if she were not involved in charity work, she said: “I am certain I would have found another charity to work with supporting families, and if there wasn’t one available, I would have set up one.

“I am very proud of my association with Born Too Soon. I recognised a need as did other parents and staff, for families to be able to talk to other parents about what they were experiencing.”

Mrs Wood who also has a twin brother previously managed to beat bowel cancer.

She said: “By talking about my cancer I have helped other people to recognise the symptoms.”

Maggie Clancy, head of paediatric and gynaecology nursing at Kingston Hospital, said: “Pauline has spent 28 years supporting the neonatal unit at Kingston Hospital. She tirelessly raises money, which enables the neonatal unit to purchase state of the art equipment.

“Pauline also provides valuable support to the parents during such a difficult time.”

Mrs Wood who is a keen painter and enjoys to read in her spare time has always been very thankful to her supportive family.

She said: “I have four beautiful and talented children and two grandchildren who mean the world to me and not a day goes by that I don’t thank God for that. This is part of the reason why I try to help and support families less fortunate than me.”

Do you know an unsung hero? Nominate someone by contacting the newsroom on newsdesk@surreycomet.co.

uk or call 020 8744 4255.