A GREAT Sankey couple have been thanking everyone for their support helping them to create a lasting legacy for their son at Warrington Hospital.

Jack and Eloise Leighton have been working hard to raise enough for a £15,000 wireless baby monitor in memory of their first child Alfie who was sadly stillborn in September 2012.

And last week they were delighted to hear the equipment had already been making a difference for women in the delivery suite.

The generous couple, who have since celebrated the birth of their six-month-old daughter Rose, said: "The care and compassion shown to us by the staff at Warrington Hospital after the devastating loss of our son Alfie compelled us to give something back.

“We're very proud that the funds we raised in his memory have assisted the maternity unit in purchasing such an invaluable piece of equipment for the labour ward.

"We are delighted that a wireless monitor, which had not been previously available at the hospital, will assist in ensuring the safe arrival of other babies.

“We would like to thank everyone who supported us in reaching our goal and helping us build a lasting legacy for our precious son.”

Cash was raised for the monitor with various events including a charity football match in July last year involving staff from the hospital taking on a team of Manchester City Veterans raising £8,000 with the trust receiving a £5,000 donation towards the monitor from Bents and Bongs Charitable Fund.

The new equipment will mean women experiencing high risk pregnancies at the Lovely Lane will now have the freedom to get up and move around while being monitored during their labour.

Lisa Whittle, delivery suite manager, added: "Many mums find it difficult and uncomfortable to be confined to the delivery bed if continuous electronic fetal monitoring in labour is needed.

“Our current electronic monitors are not wireless and even though mums are encouraged to stand and change position, they are limited to the length the leads will allow.

"The new monitor bought in Alfie's memory will make a huge difference to mums in labour as it will allow them to change position more easily, use the birthing balls and can also walk around the labour room which will mean less pain relief in labour and could reduce the need for intervention."