A TEENAGER has started a fundraising drive to help the hospital that saved the life of his new born sister.

Callum Jeray, 15, of Beeton Close, Melbourn, is holding a coffee afternoon on Saturday in aid of the Rosie Maternity Hospital in Cambridge.

All the money he collects will go to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the Special Care Baby Unit at the hospital, both of which cared for his sister, Cassie White, when she was born in April.

He said: “Cassie was born at 25 weeks, meaning her birth was 15 weeks early. She weighed just 1lb 6oz, or 620 grams, and was in hospital for five months.”

Cassie developed a host of problems relating to her premature birth, including septicaemia and meningitis. She was eventually allowed home in August.

“She’s seven-months-old now and is doing really well, she had been on oxygen but is now breathing by herself and it’s lovely to have her home,” said Callum, a former Melbourn Village College pupil who is now homeschooled.

“The hospital staff were brilliant and I just want to be able to give something back to them after they gave so much to us by helping Cassie through. She wouldn’t be here without them.”

The coffee afternoon is taking place at All Saints Community Hall, in Station Road, Melbourn, at 1pm. As well as tea and home-made cakes being served, there will be a tombola and raffle, with prizes including family tickets for a match at Cambridge United, and a family tour of Shepreth Wildlife Park.

Callum hopes to raise enough money to buy 58 new cots for the unit. You can donate to him directly by logging on to www.justgiving.com/callum-jeray