A HAMPSHIRE couple are appealing for help to put together festive hampers to thank a Southampton hospital for saving their baby's life.

George was born in January at Royal Hampshire County Hospital but was diagnosed with two rare birth defects.

George has oesophageal atresia, where the oesophagus doesn’t join the stomach and dead ends and tracheal-oesophageal fistula (TOF) where the oesophagus joins the lower part of trachea.

Without surgery these could be fatal as George wouldn’t have been able to eat and stomach acid would pass into his lungs.

He was rushed to Princess Anne’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Southampton that afternoon and had major surgery the following day to join his oesophagus back together.

He then spent six days in the NICU sedated and paralysed to ensure the surgery healed, then a further week stabilising, establishing feeding and gaining enough strength to come home.

Daily Echo:

George's mum, Emma Vaks, said: "It was all a complete shock for both Ben (dad) and I, it was not the 'we’ve just had a baby' journey we’d imagine but the amazing staff at the NICU were not only there giving brilliant care to George but also the much needed support to us; answering questions, helping us get to grips with George’s condition and being that shoulder to cry on when it all got a bit too much."

Now, Emma and her partner Ben are giving back to the hospital that saved their son's life by helping them put together Christmas hampers for families with children in hospital on Christmas Day.

Emma added: "We are forever grateful for everything they have done for our family.

"We now know from experience how tough it can be in hospital when your baby is poorly but to be in on Christmas Day, when most others are in their homes, with their family and friends, is that little bit harder.

"These hampers will hopefully give these parents a little bit of cheer on a special day."

People are being asked to visit the hospitals Amazon wishlist and order one or more of the items needed.

To help, visit: www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/3I3Z6CPOAXAG4?ref_=wl_share and select deliver to Fiona.