A clinical leader in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Furness General Hospital (FGH) celebrated her retirement with a head shave.

Serving in the NHS since 1987, Ms McKenna used her parting event to garner funds for the SCBU via the Bay Hospitals Charity.

Ms McKenna’s fundraiser was combined with one the SCBU's 'Tea and Tots' sessions.

The Mail: Ms McKenna had her head shaved during a 'Tea and Tots' sessionMs McKenna had her head shaved during a 'Tea and Tots' session (Image: UHMBT)

These social gatherings invite families that have previously found care in the SCBU to return for a play, a catch up and a cup of tea.

Her colleagues and the families joined her for the head shave event, showing support for her and the cause.

Ms McKenna, who started as a paediatric nurse, has worked at the SCBU at FGH under the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) since 1997.

The Mail: Ms McKenna has so far raised nearly £1,500Ms McKenna has so far raised nearly £1,500 (Image: UHMBT)

Her retirement marks the end of a significant era in her nursing career, yet, after a few planned holidays and some well-earned rest, Ms McKenna has stated she’ll return as a highly experienced Neonatal Nurse.

The funds raised as part of McKenna’s retirement plan aim to bolster the SCBU's resources with the purchase of a vital piece of equipment.

At present, her fundraising total stands at nearly £1,500.

The Mail: Ms McKenna plans to return to work after a well-earned breakMs McKenna plans to return to work after a well-earned break (Image: UHMBT)

Samantha Griffiths, neonatal coordinator at the SCBU at FGH, said: "Julie is a fabulous colleague and seeing her have her head shaved for charity was amazing.

"She is such a star and deserves to be recognised for the wonderful care she has provided since the 1980s.

"She is a shining example of a truly great nurse and colleague.

"Thank you so much Julie!"

The Mail: The money is set to benefit the SCBUThe money is set to benefit the SCBU (Image: UHMBT)

Suzanne Lofthouse, head of charity and fundraising at Bay Hospitals Charity, said: "On behalf of Bay Hospitals Charity, I’d like to say a massive thank you to Julie for her fabulous fundraising efforts.

"The funds she has raised will help to significantly enhance the care of babies at our hospital in Barrow and we are extremely grateful for this."

People can make donations via Ms McKenna's Just Giving page at: Julie McKenna's Retirement Head Shave | Bay Hospitals Charity.

Families that have been beneficiaries of the SCBU's care can also connect via the Special Care Baby Unit FGH Facebook page.