On 27th May 2011 my beautiful son, Ralph Jack Snelling was born at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow. After a long and difficult birth, at 10:03pm my perfect little boy was born. Within minutes he had been taken from us, without us being able to hold him, and rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where he was immediatley put in an uncubator. As a result of his birth Ralph swalloed maconium, his lungs collapsed and his kidneys failed.

Ralph spent the next six days in NICU, receiving round the clock care and undergoing various treatments and procedures. It was three days before we were able to even touch our son.

Ralph went on to make a full recovery and was finally allowed with us where despite a few ups and downs in his health, he has grown to be a very happy and relaxed boy!

Two days before Ralph was born our friends Michael and Tegan gave birth to their little boy, James Babb. James was born six weeks early and was also admitted to NICU. James grew and developed into a strong little baby and is a really cracking little boy.

I have no doubt that the quick response and amazing care both boys received in NICU saved their lives. The nurses and doctors were brilliant and reassuring at all times, keeping us updated and talking to us in a way that made us feel comfortable.

Unfortunately, this care requires a large amount of time and equipment which is very expensive but vital in caring for many babies. In order to raise some much needed funds for NICU I will be undertaking a number of challenges and holding numerous events to raise more money for this fantastic cause.

I understand times are difficult and that donating to charity sometimes seems endless, but whatever we are able to raise will directly benefit those babies and their families who need it the most. So please, if you can, help us to reach our goal.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every single donation by a UK taxpayer. So it's the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for charity. So please dig deep and donate now.

Thank-you in advance for your time and please, every £1 helps.

Sam x