A woman whose baby was saved by neo-natal staff at Bradford Royal Infirmary is organising a fundraiser as a thank-you to the special unit.

Jodie Dawn, 26, said looking at four-year-old Riley now as he dashes round on his bike makes memories of when he was so sick hard to believe.

Although he was born weighing 9lbs 2oz, it was soon clear to her once back on the maternity ward he was having problems breathing.

She said: “Everything seemed normal at first, but when he was being fed, he kept being sick and I could just tell he was having problems getting his breath. I called the midwife and they took him straight down to the neo-natal unit where he stayed for a week.

“They thought he had meningitis at first and he had to have two lumbar punctures even though he was so tiny. I was terrified seeing him with all the tubes and monitors but he was in good hands – look at him now!”

In the end, Riley was diagnosed as having a severe chest infection and was treated with antibiotics. Now, four years on, he does not need any more check-ups after getting the all-clear and is enjoying his first year at Farfield Primary School, said Miss Dawn, of Bessingham Gardens, Buttershaw.

To say thank you to the unit, she is organising a Ladies Night at Wibsey Working Men’s Club on Friday, October 25, to raise funds.

Entertainment lined up on the night include music, a raffle and a male stripper.

“I’m hoping lots of women will turn out to give their support,” she said.

“I'd like to raise as much money as possible to show just much all the hard work is appreciated that the nurses and doctors on the unit put into helping all the babies who come under their care.”

Tickets for the fundraising event cost £5 and can either be bought in advance from Miss Dawn on 07784 603424 or on the door on the night.