A mum whose daughter was born prematurely at Royal Preston Hospital is now fundraising to say thanks for the care that she received.

Lynsey Cotton gave birth to her daughter Katie in 2012, at 26 and a half weeks, and she weighed two pounds and three ounces.

Katie was immediately taken to the Neonatal Unit at Royal Preston Hospital where she received intensive care over the course of three months to ensure she had the best chance of survival.

During the family’s time at the hospital, the staff not only took care of Katie, but also provided comfort to Lynsey and her husband who were both mentally and physically exhausted after spending  every day at the unit.

Lynsey has been raising money since October 2012 and has helped to donate sweets and flowers for the staff, along with providing gifts to family members of premature babies, such as mothers and fathers day gifts, as well as gifts for siblings at Easter and Christmas.

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On 1 July, Lynsey and a group of volunteers are going to walk from Blackburn to Preston Hospital in the hope of gaining sponsors and to raise £1,000.

All donations will then be split equally between the Neonatal Units at both Preston and Burnley Hospitals.

Lynsey said: “When babies are born so early there is no way they can survive on their own without being supported and this is where the Neonatal Unit over at Preston Royal Hospital really saved Katie’s life.

“Without the unit Katie would not be here today.

“They do an amazing job everyday and the money I raise will be split between Preston and Burnley Neonatal Units.

“It can go towards buying much needed breast pumps or other life saving equipment.”

You can take part in the walk in the hope of gaining sponsors by emailing Lynsey.

You can also help fundraise by donating through the Just Giving page, in which any donations would be appreciated.

Have you visited Royal Preston Hospital recently? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below