SIX MONTHS ago little Daisy Presto was clinging to life after being born 11 weeks early and weighing less than a bag of sugar.

She came into the world on New Year's Eve after her mother, Sarah, had to have an emergency caesarian section because of pre-eclampsia, a condition which causes high blood pressure.

Weighing just 2lbs 6oz, she was cared for in the neonatal unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary for eight weeks until she was strong enough to be allowed to go home to her parents, Mike and Sarah Presto.

At one point her weight dipped to just two pounds and she needed help with her breathing.

The couple from Eccleshill, Bradford have now shown their appreciation of the medical care given to Daisy by donating 300 items to the neonatal unit.

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Guests at Daisy's recent christening were asked to contribute to a "baby bank" of items such as cotton wool balls, tiny nappies, clothes, blankets and hats to be used by premature babies at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Mrs Presto, 32, a welfare rights adviser with Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "Daisy is doing brilliantly now and we have just celebrated her christening.

"Instead of guests bringing gifts for Daisy, my husband Mike and I asked our friends and family to contribute to our 'baby bank'.

"We wanted to try and do some kind of fundraising to show our gratitude to all the special staff in the unit for saving our baby's life. "

She said parents of premature babies faced a great deal of anguish, not to mention the cost of overnight stays near the hospital if they do not live close by.

"As the unit is one of the best in Yorkshire, many special cases are admitted and some parents therefore have to pay to stay in the vicinity, just to be with their baby.

"Hopefully our 'baby bank' will help out a couple of these families as they go through this tough time."

Mrs Presto said she would be forever thankful to the hospital staff for saving her baby's life.

Six months on, Daisy is now fighting fit.

"She is still a bit small for her age but she can hold her head up and is smiley and her character is coming through. She's quite cheeky and we always know when she wants her milk.

"At the christening we did a presentation video of her life so far. It brought a tear to a few people's eyes. It has been an emotional time as Daisy was snatched out of my womb, so I was not pregnant for the full term.

"Coming home from hospital, and leaving her behind in the neonatal unit was very hard. She is doing brilliantly and is lovely."