A grateful family are pulling out all the stops to raise cash for the hospital unit where staff saved their baby son after he was born a month early.

Father-of-four Bill Ryan, from Feltham, says he and wife Aileen can never do enough to repay the neonatal intensive care unit at St Peter's Hospital, in Chertsey, for the care they gave to their baby, Michael John Ryan.

Although Michael weighed a healthy 8lb 5oz when born prematurely on May8, he suffered a number of complications, including heart problems and a septicaemia infection, and had to spend nearly four weeks receiving intensive treatment at the hospital.

"The staff at the unit were just amazing," said Mr Ryan, 34, who lives on the Highfields Estate. "I just want them to know how grateful we are for everything. They saved Michael's life. How can you ever repay that?"

Now they have Michael home his relieved family have turned their attention to organising a six-a-side football tournament, on September 7, in Feltham Park.

They have enough teams but are hoping to find a sponsor for the event so that all the money raised can go to the hospital.

"We need a sponsor to pay about £250 for T-shirts, a cup and other costs," said Mr Ryan. "That way all the money can go towards helping babies like Michael over at St Peter's."

If you can help, call Mr Ryan on 07983 610 012 or email him at br-fyfc@hotmail.com