A charity which was set up by a mum from Failand has been providing vital equipment to neonatal intensive care units across the South West.

Charley Maher started The NICU Foundation after her son Harrison was born nearly three months premature.

Harrison suffered breathing difficulties and a bleed on his brain, but due to the excellent support from staff at Southmead Hospital, he made a remarkable recovery and was given the all clear in 2014.

Charley has been raising money for neonatal units ever since.

The charity’s most recent fundraiser was a ball at the Grand Pier in Weston, which was supported by Computershare, Moon Consulting, GBRS Recruitment and the Regency Group as well as Barclays, and raised more than £19,000 for the cause.

Every penny of the money raised will go to neo-natal units. Charley said: “We are paying for three staff at Southmead NICU unit to attend training which supports them in spotting signs of cerebral palsy early.

“We are also purchasing an additional blood box for them which enables them to test babies’ blood.”

The NICU Foundation is now looking for people to take part in individual events in aid of the charity through its BT MyDonate page at https://mydonate.bt.com/donation/start.html?charity=135887

A Beyond the Stars Cabaret night is also being held at Kewstoke Village Hall, on November 26, in aid of the cause. To book tickets email thenicufoundation@gmail.com or call Amy Badman on 07977 261829.

You can find out more about the charity and get involved through its Facebook page.