TWINS who were believed to be the smallest to survive when they were born prematurely 16 years ago have been raising money for the neonatal unit which saved their lives.

Bethany and Martina Laverick weighed just one pound and two ounces and one pound four ounces respectively when they were born 14 weeks premature at the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton, in 2000.

They were given just a 15 per cent chance of being born alive when their mother, Toni Curry, went into labour, but they battled against the odds to survive.

She was told it was touch and go after suffering a string of pregnancy problems, and doctors battled for weeks to prevent her going into labour, using medication and minor surgery, but the babies still arrived early.

The Laverick twins, from Billingham, Teesside, were among a group of Stockton Riverside College students to take part in a sponsored winter picnic at the peak of Roseberry Topping.

Facing mud, wind and rain, the event was part of the Health and Social Care class’s ongoing efforts to raise money for NeoAngels, a charity that helps support the Neonatal Unit at the University Hospital of North Tees.

It wasn’t until the twins’ mother learnt what the group were doing that the connection was made.

“It’s not something the girls really think about,” said Ms Curry, 41. But she still calls them "my miracles".

The twins spent 100 days in the neonatal at the University Hospital of North Tees – and every day was a milestone. It wasn't until they reached a year old that she was able to feel any relief.

She said: “It wasn’t until they turned one that I could let myself think, I have twins.”

Bethany has cerebral palsy and a sight impairment and Martina has a hearing impairment but, when it comes to achieving their goals, Ms Curry said said nothing stands in their way, and they are now studying health and social care at the college.

They carried out the climb up Roseberry Topping in chilly December temperatures.

Health and Social Care teacher, Janet Teasdale, said: “The girls really are an inspiration. They are so determined and when it came to getting up Roseberry Topping nothing was stopping them.

“Bethany in particular taught me and all my students so much on that day, about determination and not giving up. The whole class were so supportive and I am proud of every single one.”

Childcare students also took part in the sponsored walk and picnic, raising money for 4Louis, a charity providing memory boxes for those who suffer a stillbirth or neonatal death, and members of MoreLife, an initiative encouraging people of all ages to adopt healthy lifestyles.