Last year, our baby Ebony was born with a rare condition which was diagnosed at our 20 week scan. We spent the rest of the pregnancy not knowing what would happen once she was born. It was a very difficult time but we were so blessed that she was treated on the neonatal intensive care unit in Southampton where she received outstanding and life saving care. In such a difficult situation, we just saw so much good around us in the work that all the staff carried out, and in how dedicated they were to all the babies. We will forever be so thankful to everyone that cared for Ebony in NICU.

To celebrate Ebony's 1st birthday, we would be so happy to be able to raise some money for the amazing neonatal unit.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit which provides specialist care to sick term and pre-term (premature) newborn babies.

The state-of-the-art facility is located at the Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton. This has 37 baby cots, 23 intensive/high dependency cots and 14 special care cots.

It is one of the largest neonatal units in the country treating around 900 babies each year, from Southampton, Poole & Bournemouth, Chichester, Dorchester, Basingstoke, the Isle of Wight, Salisbury, Winchester and the Channel Islands.

Babies have survived as young as 23 weeks, with some of them only weighing 460g/1lb.

Picture a baby smaller than the size of your hand. Imagine the skill needed to care for and treat something that size.

Money raised could go towards new equipment, more resources for families, improvements to parent facilities or additional staff training. All of which could help to improve the unit even further, ensuring babies and families receive the best care possible.