FAMILIES with sick and premature babies who have benefited from the help of a hospital raised £3,000 for the unit which supported them.

The Comet: Attendees outside the barnAttendees outside the barn (Image: Archant)

Tim and Noel Hunter, who run Hitchin Lavender and whose son Camilo was born prematurely, joined forces with local parents to hold a fundraiser at the farm, in aid of Lister’s neonatal centre.

They were helped by parents including Jo Fraser, from Baldock, whose daughter Isabella was born 14 weeks early at the Stevenage hospital in 2011.

“Isabella had such a traumatic start to life,” said Jo.

“It feels great to give something back to the doctors and nurses who saved her life.”

The event was coordinated by The Lister Neonatal Unit Families Group, which seeks to support families and fundraise for the hospital.

The event, which was held on Saturday, saw 100 guests take a tour of the lavender fields, followed by a sit-down meal in the farm’s barn.

Event organiser Camilla Hamilton, of Letchworth GC, said: “As a mum of a premature baby myself, I know how much families want to raise money for the neonatal unit that cared for their child.

“With a team effort like this, everyone has something to contribute.”