DOZENS of footballers turned out for a charity match to raise much-needed funds for a hospital unit dedicated to the care of seriously-ill babies.

Thirty-two teams took part in the five-a-side tournament on Saturday - inspired by the story of a fighting youngster who is defying medical teams on his road to recovery.

Parents Simon and Marna Lunt, from Ingleby Barwick, decided to organise the event after being overwhelmed by the care and support from hospital staff following the birth of their son, Arthur.

Following his birth in April, Arthur was discovered to be suffering from meconium aspiration syndrome - a condition where the first bowel movement of a baby is breathed into its lungs during the birth process.

As a result, Arthur spent two weeks in intensive care at the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.

Mr Lunt, 30, said: "When he was born if it had not been for the staff at the neo-natal unit reviving him then looking after him in intensive care so well, then he wouldn't be here.

"I wanted to do something for them. The unit doesn't get all the money it needs to do everything so I said to them give me a figure. They told me £3,000 would buy some specialist furniture for the intensive care room."

Mrs Lunt, 31, explained that specialist stools are used on the unit for parents to be able to sit and stay with their babies.

She said: "Just having a stool I could be there for hours - it makes all the difference to the mothers and the fathers."

The money will also be used for other vital equipment for the unit.

Mr Lunt, who works as a telephone development manager for Arco Health and Safety Supplies, in Stockton, rallied the support of his company and customers to make the match happen.

The event was held at Soccer Sensation, in Stockton, and attracted over 200 people - players and supporters.

But Mr Lunt thinks the event raised £500 short of the £3,000 goal and is appealing for anyone who can help bump up the funds.

Mrs Lunt said: "We want to thank all the staff at the hospital - the people who looked after me were amazing."

Mr Lunt added: "Arthur is doing really well - he has defied all the doctors - and now he is doing absolutely fantastically."

To donate money to the unit send a cheque made payable to the James Cook University Hospital, to Simon Lunt, at Arco Health and Safety Supplies, Portrack Lane, Stockton.