A CWMBRAN couple have helped raise more than £1,200 for the neonatal intensive care unit at Newport's Royal Gwent hospital two months after their premature baby died.

Natasha Hughes, 25, gave birth to baby Mea Angel Hughes just 23 weeks into her pregnancy.

On April 16, six days after Mrs Hughes was rushed into hospital, Baby Mea was born weighing just 1lb 2oz.

Doctors warned Natasha and her husband Nathan, 27, that they expected Mea would not survive past 72 hours.

But Mea managed to defy the odds and doctors soon said she was in the best condition out of all the other babies of her age in the unit as she began to put on weight and was able to take expressed breast milk.

"Mrs Hughes said: "Mea took a turn for the worse but then bounced back, we really started to think she would survive.

"When she was born her eyes were fused shut and when she opened them a week and a half later it was the best thing ever.

"She looked perfect. She was like a little porcelain doll, so delicate and fragile.

"I knew she was a little angel the very moment I set eyes on her, and so we decided Angel should be her middle name."

Mrs Hughes was in hospital with Mea for about 10 days but had to return home as her son Morgan, who will be three in September, was becoming anxious his mum was not at home with him.

"I cried all the way home from the hospital," Mrs Hughes said.

"It was so hard to leave Mea there."

Mea died on May 9 of septicemia and lung respiratory disease.

"The staff in the neonatal unit at the Royal Gwent hospital were absolutely amazing. I couldn't find fault with them.

"That's why I feel it is important to raise money so they can continue to provide such valuable care, Mrs Hughes said.

Samantha Davies, Mrs Hughes cousin runs Tots, a parent and toddler group in Pontnewynydd along with Tonia Trickey.

The two of them organised a sponsored walk for parents and their children at Cwmbran Boating Lake in memory of Mea which took place in June 18.

Close to 100 people took part and raised more than £500 for the hospital.

Mrs Hughes said she is still trying to work out the total amount raised and hopes to continue to raise money so she can buy an incubator for the neonatal intensive care unit which will include a plaque in memory of baby Mea.

To donate call Mrs Hughes on 07805004059.