A COUPLE who lost their baby boy at just nine days old have raised £20,000 for the hospital which cared for him.

Jackie Lawrence and Kieron Fairhurst’s son, George, was cared for at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Royal Bolton Hospital. He died in December 2017.

The couple spent the next 12 months tirelessly fundraising for the hospital and on Friday presented their final cheque for £8,300.

Ms Lawrence said: “The entire team on NICU were amazing with George and our family, doctors, nurses, midwives, cleaners ­— every single person we spoke to.

“Before our time in Bolton NICU we didn’t really know it was there. They were the double doors you walked past at the hospital, not having a clue what was behind them.

“The tiny babies fighting for their lives, surrounded by the most amazing team of staff doing all they can 24 hours a day.”

Pride of place at the presentation was three-month-old Robyn, who the couple welcomed into the world on December 18, 2019 at the hospital.

Matron on the NICU, Cath Bainbridge, thanked the couple for their donation.

She said: “It was our privilege to care for baby George and the Lawrence family during his short life, and it has been an absolute pleasure to meet his little sister Robyn today. We wish the family every happiness in the future.”

The final amount was raised thanks to Jackie’s colleagues at Premex Services, who took part in various fundraising activities including the Vuelta a España cycle tour and the Manchester half marathon.