WHEN Cameron Bagnall was born last year he was given just hours to live.

The youngster, of Whitehall Drive, Hartford, had the cord wrapped around his neck.

He started to have fits and his parents Elissa Bramhall and Martin Bagnall were told three times to prepare themselves for the worst.

Now Cameron is a lively baby, aged 13 months old and his grateful family have raised £1,000 for the special baby care unit at Leighton Hospital in recognition of their hard work.

Elissa, aged 22, recalled the dark times.

She said: "He was rushed into the special care unit.

"The cord was wrapped around his neck twice.

"He wasn't breathing properly and he was fitting all the time. It was a terrible time.

"Three times we were told to prepare ourselves for the worst and that he wouldn't pull through. But he is still here."

The youngster spent five weeks in intensive care and Elissa's mum, Carol Bramhall, and her family decided to raise money for the unit.

Elissa's brother Sam did a sponsored walk, which raised £500 alone and there have been other events.

The family presented the staff with the cheque for £1,000 and Elissa said they were very happy to receive the money.

She added: "The staff were wonderful with him." He is a normal baby now."

vkandel@guardiangrp.co.uk