PARENTS came together on social media on Saturday to share stories of premature births on World Prematurity Day, and there were many stories from grateful mums and dads for the care they had received at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow.

The hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) cares for babies who are premature or who need extra attention after birth. It has a dedicated team of 65 doctors and nurses for round-the-clock monitoring and care. It treated over 400 babies in the past year and parents have been eager to show their appreciation.

One family wrote on Twitter: “We will be eternally grateful to the amazing charities, and above all the Princess Alexandra Harlow NICU….not once, not twice, but three times….not all SUPERHEROES wear capes.”

Another family whose babies received vital care were determined to raise funds for the unit – and recently presented a cheque for a tremendous £1,350 to the unit’s staff. Joel and wife Bernadette McRandal had six week premature twins born in March 2014 who both spent 21 days in NICU.

Bernadette said: “It was a very difficult time but we were so grateful for the care and support we received from all the staff at PAHT, and NICU most importantly, so as a thank you we wanted to donate all the money we raised at a special ‘box night’ to NICU.

In September this year, CrossFit Raeda co-owner Joel held a CrossFit charity throw-down called Battle of the Boxes. Each box had two teams comprising two male athletes and two female athletes. Teams had to complete three gruelling team workouts of the day (WODs) to determine who was the fittest.

Bernadette added: “It was great to bring everyone together for such a great cause. We will be putting this event on annually hoping to raise even more money.

The twins, who are now healthy, lively four-year-olds, were more than happy to be on hand to present the cheque for the money raised to staff at the NICU unit.

Neonatal Unit manager Janelle Gardner said: “We really appreciate the great feedback from parents which makes me very proud of the dedicated care our staff provide here at PAHT NICU. I am also hugely grateful for the funds raised for our unit.

We’re overwhelmed by the efforts made by Bernadette and Joel, and it was especially wonderful to see that the twins we cared for here have done so well, and were on hand to present the wonderful donation. Thank you to everyone.”