THE family of a woman who suffered heart failure days after giving birth are raising money to thank the medics who saved her life.

Jemma Telford was taken into the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle last September, 26 weeks into her second pregnancy.

Tiny Thomas was born three weeks later, more than ten weeks early, weighing just 2lb 11oz, and rushed straight to the special baby care unit.

But while he started to gain strength, Mrs Telford, who had undergone major heart surgery five years before, continued to struggle, to the point where she was unable to walk. It was then that medics diagnosed heart failure.

The 31-year-old, who is also mum to four-year-old William, spent eight months in intensive care at the Freeman Hospital – the second longest stay ever recorded at the unit.

More than once her family were told she was too ill for the life-saving surgery she needed and her husband Michael was advised to say his final farewells.

But Mrs Telford is now back home in Blackhill, Consett, County Durham, where she is recovering well, even beginning to walk again.

Thomas, meanwhile, now ten months old, is a picture of health.

Now friends and family are raising money for the Children’s Heart Unit Fund (Chuf) at the Freeman, to thank the medics who helped her.

Mr Telford said: “The staff who looked after Jemma on ICU Ward 21 at the Freeman Hospital never gave up and are some of the most hardworking people I’ve ever met. They are a credit to the hospital.

“Our family went through a terrible ordeal and these guys kept us together and kept us believing.

“Raising money for Chuf is important to me to help the patients and families have everything they need. One of the memories I will never shake is watching the incredibly brave parents going down to the theatre with their poorly children lying on the bed, wondering if they would ever come back to them.

“It was heart wrenching every single time. These people need support in every way, big and small. I couldn’t be happier doing my bit.”

Some friends and relatives are cycling the Coast to Coast from Whitehaven to Tynemouth from August 28 to 30. To sponsor them, visit justgiving.com/coast2coastforfreemanhospital

The night they finish, Sunday, August 30, there will be a charity night at Blackhill Club with music, stalls, a bouncy castle and buffet. Entry costs £1, payable at the door.