A MOTHER whose baby son was born 17 weeks prematurely has thanked everyone for help in raising money for the hospital which saved his life.

Doctors hope little Leo Taylor Corkin, who weighed just 650 grams when he was born at 23 weeks and five days on December 23 last year, will soon be ready to go home.

He was cared for at the neo natal unit at Sunderland Royal Hospital and needed two operations and suffered from a blood clot.

He has since been transferred to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, where he is undergoing further treatment. He is expected home soon.

His mother, Kirsty Taylor, 17, of East Herrington, organised a charity fundraising night, held at Lakeside Sports and Social Club on North Moor Lane, in Sunderland, at the weekend.

Kirsty said: “So far we have raised an amazing £1,000. We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of local businesses who donated gifts and raffle prizes. Without their help the night would not have been the success it was.

“And of course we want to thank the nurses and staff at the neo natal unit. If it was not for their dedication and care Leo would not be alive today."

The family would like to thank: the Lakeside, Judes Disco, Final Vinyl, Costpex, Chameleon Vocational Training, The Beauty Centre, Chadwicks Inn of Yarm, RH Auto Services of Birtley, Hair by Daniel John, Soccarena of Durham, Grangetown Florists, The Chesters of Sunderland, Haswells Homer Hill Farm, Durham’s Ramside Hall Hotel, David Lawson Photography, The Beauty Palace, Hair by Tanya, Downeys fish and chips and Italian Farmhouse.