A RUNCORN optician has launched a £5,000 fundraising campaign to thank nurses for saving his baby’s life.

Chris Graham and staff from Specsaver stores in Runcorn and Warrington will be joining 100 volunteers to abseil 52ft down the side of Warrington Hospital's neonatal unit on October 26.

He has pledged to buy new ventilators and monitors for the special care baby unit where his daughter, Sophia was treated after she was born in September last year.

She needed urgent care after she suddenly went blue and lifeless whilst feeding for the first time. Medics think she contracted an infection during labour.

She was put on a drip of antibiotics and in an incubator on oxygen for 36 hours.

Dad Chris, aged 31, director of Specsavers store in Runcorn Shopping Centre, kicked off the campaign in May with a £500 donation.

Chris who lives in Warrington with his wife, Rosalyn, aged 31, said: “It’s wonderful to have so many people on board for the challenge.

“We really appreciate the support of everyone who is taking part and raising funds for this very worthy cause.

"Thanks to the excellent care given by staff at the neonatal unit last year, Sophia is now in great health and we wanted to give something back to ensure the unit can continue to carry out incredible work for parents like us and their children.

"We’re really looking forward to completing the abseil and hope to raise plenty of funds to reach our £5,000 target."

Neonatal sister Lynsey Arnold cared for Sophia during her stay in hospital and is among those taking part in the challenge.

She added: "It’s great to see the level of support that we’re receiving in the local community and it means a lot that Chris and the Specsavers team are doing so much to support the unit.

"We’re committed to ensuring that the babies being treated here receive the best level of care in excellent facilities and public donations are essential in assisting us with this.

"I’m very excited to be taking part in the challenge along with the rest of the Specsavers team and am sure it will be a fun-filled afternoon for everyone involved."

For more information about taking part, email info@whhcharity.org.uk or call Specsavers Runcorn on 01928 716200.