A GRATEFUL mother who lost her premature son has donated money to Whipps Cross University Hospital to thank nurses who supported her.

Julie Potter, 38, gave birth to twins Jonny and Annabell at 28 weeks.

Jonny died two days after he was born, but his sister pulled through and will celebrate her first birthday next month.

Mrs Potter said the nurses at the hospital's Special Care Baby Unit were like a second family during the difficult weeks after the twins were born.

She raised £322 by holding a raffle and selling tickets through schools, children's centres and a local darts league.

Jonny was just nine-and-a-half inches long when he was born, and weighed 2lb 9oz.

Annabell was even smaller at 2lb 6oz, but Jonny's veins were not developed enough to support themselves, and surgeons were unable to stop him bleeding internally.

Annabell's weight initially plunged to 2lb, but she soon gained enough strength to fight off a bout of bronchitis, and after nine weeks was fit enough to leave hospital.

Mrs Potter, a mother of six who lives in Burwell Road, Leyton, said: "Some days were tougher than others, but the staff were always so good.

"They always made you a cup of tea and were regular with cuddles, which sometimes you need.

"You could go in and out, any time - we spent most of Christmas Day there, and saw in New Year's Eve with the nurses.

"It was like having another lot of family, who were there day and night for us. If you felt like having a cry it didn't matter. There was no need to feel awkward or uncomfortable because they understand.

"There is no way we could ever thank the unit as much as we would like to."

Stella Toh, the unit's head of nursing, said: "We are going to put the money towards some new equipment for the unit. This will help benefit many more families and babies, so we are very grateful."