A mum who set up a charity to support neo-natal units is hoping to raise £10,000 for life-saving equipment.

Charley Maher, from Failand, set up The NICU Foundation after her son was born three months early.

Charley was on holiday in North Wales when Harrison was born, but he had to be transferred to a hospital an hour away because the nearest one was unable to treat premature babies.

Charley was shocked by the lack of neo natal intesive care units (NICUs) and how they are struggling due to funding cuts.

She is now raising money to provide them with more equipment and staff and the next event will be a ball on Weston’s Grand Pier on September 17.

A charity auction will be held on the night with prizes including a weekend at Rick Stein’s hotel up for grabs.

Charley said: “The Southmead unit needs equipment to help them test blood.

“Normally they have to send blood up to another part of the hospital which can delay treatment for sick babies.

“Taunton has asked for more breast pumps because some of theirs have gone missing.

“In previous years we’ve raised £10,000 but we’d like to smash through that this year.”

Charley is hugely grateful to the Grand Pier which has agreed to match the amount raised.

To book a table or to donate a prize email thenicufoundation@gmail.com or call Charley on 07891 102216.