A COUPLE are celebrating the birth of their third child almost a year to the day after the death of their baby son.

Dawn and Richard Hindmarch were at the University of North Tees, Stockton, yesterday to hand over a cheque for £3,000 to staff at the neo-natal unit.

The presentation was made in memory of their son, James, on the first anniversary of his death.

He and twin Alice were 15 weeks premature when Mrs Hindmarch, 27, gave birth in the hospital, last year.

Mrs Hindmarch, from School Aycliffe, County Durham, had become pregnant after receiving fertility treatment at Bishop Auckland General Hospital, with the support of Sister Eileen Graham.

James, a tiny 1lb 9oz, and Alice, who weighed just 1lb 7oz, both faced a fight for their lives from the start. Alice pulled through, but James died in his mother's arms after a few days.

Alice remained in hospital for 100 days and still weighed only 6lb 4oz when she was finally allowed home.

Instead of flowers, Mrs Hindmarch asked for donations for the hospital and was amazed by the response.

Family and friends organised sponsored events, including a netball tournament, a swim, a school non-uniform day, raffles and tombolas.

The efforts raised £3,000, which will be used by the hospital to buy two syringe pumps, used to administer life-saving drugs to babies born prematurely.

Meanwhile, Mrs Hindmarch fell pregnant naturally and on Saturday gave birth to daughter Faye, who weighed in at a bouncing 6lb 14oz.

The family - including Alice and her new baby sister - visited the hospital yesterday to thank staff for their help and support.

Mrs Hindmarch said: "People giving us money and organising events has given me the strength I needed to come through this. Their kindness and support has made it that little bit easier."