A BRADFORD councillor is fundraising for Bradford Hospitals' Charity as a thank you to the neonatal staff who provided "exceptional care" to his nephew.

Jonah Saul Stevens was born prematurely at 28 weeks earlier this year to Danielle and Mark, weighing just 2lb 12oz.

His uncle, Richard Dunbar, a Labour councillor for Thornton and Allerton, will begin his fundraising campaign by running the Bradford Half Marathon on October 28, alongside Jonah's dad, Mark Stevens.

Mum Danielle, who is Councillor Dunbar's sister, said: “It has been such a challenging few months for us, especially as we have another young son Reuben.

"But the staff encouraged us to bring him along and I know the staff are doing a great job in developing facilities at the unit for siblings so parents get to spend more time with the new born.

“Jonah is now doing well and is getting better every day. He already has a cheeky smile like his older brother.”

Councillor Dunbar said: “The equipment and facilities in the unit are world class but are very expensive. We are trying to raise £2,000 to help the unit in the vital work they carry out on a daily basis.”

Jonah weighed 2lb 12oz when he was born and his weight dropped rapidly to 2lb 2oz, meaning a scary time for all the family as they did not know if he would survive.

Mark said: “Jonah was in the Neonatal Unit for eight weeks and received exceptional care from the consultants, nurses and all other staff there. We cannot thank them enough.”

Kelly Young, neonatal matron, said: “We are very grateful to the Dunbar family for choosing to fundraise for the neonatal service. The funds raised will enable us to further enhance the experience for families with a baby who needs neonatal care.

“We are currently looking to improve the family room to include entertainment for siblings, and we would also like to extend the parent accommodation so they can remain close to their baby while in hospital.”

Hayley Collis, head of fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, said: “Thank you to Cllr Dunbar and Mark for raising money to help other families who are faced with the same challenges they did. Our charity has funded a number of projects in the Neonatal Unit which help parents, and our doctors and nurses provide the very best care and treatment.”

To donate to the family's fundraising campaign visit justgiving.com. So far the pair have raised around £500.

To donate directly to Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, text “BHCF22” and the amount you wish to donate to 70070 or click here on donate online.