A HOSPITAL unit has welcomed a fundraising boost.

A cheque for £3,000 was presented to the neo-natal unit at The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, yesterday.

The money was raised from a charity football tournament, which involved 32 teams taking part in five-a-side matches, last month.

The event was organised by parents Simon and Marna Lunt, from Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, after being overwhelmed by the care and support from hospital staff following the birth of their son, Arthur.

When he was born, Arthur suffered from meconium aspiration syndrome, a condition in which the first bowel movement of a baby is breathed into its lungs during birth.

He spent two weeks in intensive care at the hospital.

To say thank you for the care their son received, Mr Lunt decided to raise funds to help the unit buy some specialist furniture for its intensive care room.

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