A WOMAN who tragically lost the father of her unborn child, then gave birth 14 weeks early, has thanked hospital staff who kept her son alive.

Taylor Lee Stokoe weighed only 2lbs 3oz when he was born and was so premature his eyes were still shut.

He was born only two months after the death of his father, Lee Hutchinson, who was killed in May last year when he lost control of his car, which hit a gatepost near Thornley, east Durham.

His partner, 21-year-old Donna Stokoe, from Sherburn Village, near Durham City, was four months' pregnant at the time and thinks the lasting shock of the accident brought on the early labour.

She said: "I didn't actually know I was in labour. I was in the local pub at the time. I got rushed to hospital and had him within half an hour. I did not know what was happening."

Taylor was transferred to the neo-natal unit at the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, where staff worked around the clock to keep him alive.

"I didn't think he would make it. If it wasn't for the staff, Taylor wouldn't be here today," said Miss Stokoe.

"He was very small. He had to be helped with his breathing. He had a tube to feed him and he also had a problem with his heart because he was so premature. His eyes were fused closed as well."

Taylor still needs treatment to take away a build-up of fluid on his brain, but other than that, is a healthy five-month-old baby.

Miss Stokoe said Taylor has helped everyone come to terms with their grief over Lee's death.

She said: "He has really helped all of Lee's family, they all focus on him. He's a special little baby."

Now, she is planning to repay the medical staff who helped the baby in his struggle for life, by holding a charity night to raise money for the unit, organised with the help of Lee's mother.

On Wednesday, January 21, a charity night will be held at Sherburn Village Workingmen's Club, with live entertainment and a raffle.

Tickets are on sale at the club on 0191- 372 0274.