A MUM has paid tribute to the vital work of Bradford's neonatal unit after her sons were born prematurely.

When Sharron Batey gave birth to her baby boy 21 years ago, he weighed just 3lb 1oz.

And although she was given just a five per cent chance of having another premature birth, she developed pre-eclampsia again and her second son weighed just 2lb 14.

“My first son, Lewis, was very poorly when he was born,” said Sharron, 47.

“He needed a lot of medical intervention. Even though it’s 21 years ago, it has never ever left me.

“It sounds crazy, but I felt like Lewis was the property of the BRI. Right up until I took him home, I felt like I had to ask for permission to pick him up. It was a very difficult time.”

Lewis was on oxygen up until a week before he was discharged, and he went home on June 15, which was Father’s Day.

Three years later, Sharron and her husband Shaun welcomed their second son Curtis into the world.

Although he was a tiny 2lb 14oz, he had fewer medical problems and was allowed home after just eight weeks as he had put weight on.

“If it hadn’t been for the Neonatal Unit, we would not have Lewis with us,” said Sharron, who works for Project Search, based in Bradford Royal Infirmary’s (BRI) Field House.

Both Lewis and Curtis are doing well now, having just celebrated their 21st and 18th birthdays.

Sharron added: "We owe everything to the neonatal unit and can’t thank them enough."

Eighteen years later and Sharron, of East Bowling, is taking part in the Bradford Hospitals’ Charity abseil on September 22 to raise money for the Bradford neonatal unit which saved her sons’ lives.

Kelly Young, Matron of the neonatal service at the BRI, said: “We are so grateful to Sharron for choosing to raise funds for the neonatal service.

“Even though her children are now older and a number of years have passed since her own experience of neonatal care, the fact that she is still keen to support other families is heart-warming.”

Hayley Collis, Head of Fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, added: “I applaud Sharron for taking part in this event.

"Our neonatal doctors and nurses work day in, night out, to treat and care for poorly and premature babies and we’re grateful that Sharron has chosen to highlight the amazing care her sons received by taking part in our superhero

abseil.”

To take part in next month's abseil, visit bradfordhospitalscharity.org/event/abseil-bradford-teaching-hospitals.