A FAMILY has said thank you for the lifesaving treatment given to their 2lb baby with a fundraising event for Hereford County Hospital, writes JONATHAN RUSSELL.

Peter and Karen Preston from Dilwyn raised over £1,800 for the Special Care Baby Unit as thanks for the care of their son James when he was born 13 weeks early weighing less than 2lb 2oz.

Delivered by emergency caesarean at the City Hospital, Birmingham in September 2001 James was brought back to Hereford after three-and-a-half weeks where he was kept alive on a breathing support system and incubator.

Contrast

James' mum Karen said: "The treatment given at both hospitals was without a doubt second to none although each environment was very different.

"Birmingham was very clinical and Hereford was much more homely, but both were very supportive to husband Peter and myself."

After 10 weeks in hospital James was taken home and thanks to the help at the hospital has never looked back.

Karen said: "After some time of simply having James at home and enjoying all the aspects of that, Peter and I decided we should try and do something as a way of saying thank you to all the staff at Hereford SCBU."

The couple put an advertisement in their local parish magazine for a dinner dance and got a phenomenal response.

A live band, disco and bar were all provided at rock bottom rates and 140 tickets sold.

And with the backing of Barclays Bank in Tenbury Wells and the local community the event raised £1,837.

Karen said: "Having spoken to Hereford SCBU I understand the money will be used towards equipment such as defibrillators.

"We simply know that without their expertise, love and kindness, we may not have our son in our lives."