THE parents of twins born three months early have launched a charity to help support families who have babies in neonatal care.

Kirsty Lowther, 26 and husband Shaun 39, from Trimdon, County Durham, have set up Neoangels to help parents with babies who are being looked after for long periods of time, after their twins Noah, who weighed 2lb 3oz and Ava 1lb 13oz were born prematurely.

The fund will help parents manage expenses such as travel, car parking and meals at the hospital, while Mrs Lowther also hopes that the charity will build a support network for others who are going through a similar situation at the University Hospital of North Tees.

Describing the impact of the premature birth, Mrs Lowther, who works as a funeral director for Co-op Funeral Care in Stockton, said: “It was the scariest thing that me and my husband have ever had to go through.

“The maternity unit were out of this world. I was looked after by two midwives one which was a student - they were amazing. I was very set on having no pain relief and they respected my wishes and supported me and my husband.

“The team told us everything. They always made sure we knew what was going on and what would happen next. Every person that we came into contact with was sensitive, professional and caring and I if I was to fall pregnant again I wouldn't go anywhere else to give birth.

“I went home after two days. You never expect to go home without your baby. Our twins were on the neonatal unit for a total of 76 days for intensive care, high dependency, special care and transitional care.

“Me and my family owe this unit our everything and because of them and what they have done for us we have set up a charity for the unit called Neoangels.

"When we were in the hospital we realised that there was very little financial support for parents with babies who are in hospital for a long period of time, to help with unexpected expenses.

“I started doing some research to start to set a charity up, which in the future will help other families who have been through what we have.

“We’re starting to make plans for the future of the charity, our live music event sold out within a few hours, we’re planning a Christmas Fayre and a summer ball on July 2 next year at Rockcliffe Hall."

Ward matron Debbie Bryan said: “Kirsty and Shaun really are an inspiration. Every donation which is made to the neonatal unit is so valuable. This charity will be a much needed support to parents at what can be a very difficult time.”

Find out more about the charity at neoangelscharity.com