Family rallies around for Eva

Born at 23 weeks and two days last September, she weighed just 1lb 2oz (515g).

At 17cms long she looked "like an illustration in a baby development book", according to parents Chloe Suggitt and Dale Saunders. After a successful recovery battle, friends and family of Eva have began a fundraising campaign for the Neonatal unit of St George's Hospital, London.

Chloe, 24, gave birth to Eva on September 29.

She was baptised immediately due to concerns that she might not live.

She spent the next three months in St George's, where she underwent a heart operation and contracted blood poisoning.

After a further month in Brighton, she was transferred to the Conquest Hospital, Hastings, for a fortnight.

Amazingly, she was returned to Chloe and Dale, of Cooden Drive, at the end of January, and is now developing like any healthy baby.

The family celebrated their first Mother's Day last weekend.

Eva is 25 weeks old and now weighs 8lb 4oz.

Chloe said: "We cannot thank the staff of St George's, Brighton and Hastings hospitals enough.

"The nurses and doctors had never seen the survival of a baby as premature as Eva.

"When I was in hospital I told myself that as soon as we got out and were home and dry, I'd start fundraising for the Neonatal unit.

"It's all you can do to thank them."

Chloe was "blown away" by the fast support of her friends.

"Bexhill is a small town and word quickly got around.

"The town was so kind to us throughout everything, whether it be sending text messages, or cards or passing things on through friends."

"Everyone around me wanted to do something good for the unit."

Matt Climpton and Danny Austin saw an opportunity to help with the Hastings Half Marathon on March 15.

Both succesfully completed the race with sponsorship.

A St Patrick's Charity Quiz Night, with traditional Irish Stew and drinks, a raffle and Irish folk music, was organised by Hayley Heard, Becky Stevens and Ben White.

Around 100 people came to the Polegrove Sports Bar of Bexhill Utd Football Club in support, raising over 1250.

Chloe said: "It was a fantastic night. Hayley arranged the raffle, decorated the Polegrove and went round Bexhill speaking to local businesses. She did so much."

"I am grateful for the support I have had from all my friends during the last six months.

"All my friends have got children and jobs and busy lives, but despite this some of them used to come up and stay with me."

Most recently, Lisa Houghton, who went to Bexhill High, has arranged a charity parachute jump.

She is aiming to raise 1000 over the next three months and has set up a webpage with information on how to donate at www.justgiving.com/jumpforeva.

Chloe said: "We would like to thank Hayley for organising the St Patrick's Day event, Pauline and Amanda Covi and Peter Heritage of Bexhill United Football Club.

"Also the many generous local businesses who have supported us, including Ye Olde Chocolate Shop, Beauty Haven, The Retreat, Muscat and McEwan, Scatter Box, Carol Stanley, Bexhill Photographers, Bar One, The Tratorria, Quinn's Deli, Marks and Spencer, Little Common Pharmacy, Joe White Television, Highwoods Golf Club and Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club."