A NORTH-EAST couple have launched a fundraising drive to buy a cot for the hospital that cared for their little boys.

Born almost three months early, Stanley and Albie weighed 3lb and 3lb 1oz, with their unexpected arrival setting in action a series of events that saw dedicated nurses and medics at two hospitals repeatedly save their lives.

Now Stacey Collinson and Chris Pryke, from Darlington, have shared the story of the premature birth of their their twins.

The Northern Echo: TWINS: Stanley and Albie Pryke in their twin cot at Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital
TWINS: Stanley and Albie Pryke in their twin cot at Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital

After Ms Collinson unexpectedly went into labour, the boys were born in April at Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital, with their parents undertaking a stress-filled journey from Darlington due to the town's hospital being unable to deliver premature twins.

During their time at JCUH, the boys slept in a twin cot, which worked to soothe them as medics battled to get them to their delivery date.

They were separated after being transferred to Darlington Memorial Hospital and their parents are now trying to raise £3,450 to buy a twin cot to benefit other babies there.

Ms Collinson and Mr Pryke told their story on World Prematurity Day to raise awareness and to show support for those that saved their sons.

Ms Collinson said: “A world is out there that we never knew existed until we had premature babies.

“Most don’t understand what a baby has to go through to get to full term.

“Our babies were in hospital for weeks and went through so much, it was horrendous – they both have chronic lung disease and a hole in the heart and Stanley had a collapsed lung and a blister on his brain.

“One day, one stopped breathing and had to be resuscitated and then the other stopped breathing too.

"It was the worst day of our lives but through it all, the staff were amazing - so much goes into the care they give.”

Mr Pryke added: “Having them in the twin cot gave us peace of mind, to know they were together when we weren’t there.

“It was awful going home and leaving them at the hospital and so great when they eventually came home and we could get our family back together again. It’s lovely having them home, they’re really doing well.”

Ms Collinson added: “To keep a baby in neonatal care costs £1,000 a day – we had that times two for 11 weeks.

“We’re just hoping to give something back – £3,000 is nothing compared to what we’ve been given.”

A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re delighted to hear that Ms Collinson and Mr Pryke are happy with the care their family received and it’s very kind of them to raise funds.”

The couple will lead a fancy dress sponsored walk with Santa Claus around Darlington’s South Park on Saturday, December 16 from 11am.

For more information or to donate prizes for upcoming fundraising events, email staceycollinsoncharity@hotmail.com. Donations can be made at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stacey-collinson.