A MUM whose son was born nine weeks early has organised a family fun day to thank the doctors and nurses who saved his life.

Jo Cargill was only 31 weeks’ pregnant when a scan revealed that baby Leo Yates wasn’t growing and she was rushed for an emergency caesarean section.

The first-time mum, who lives in Hindley with Leo’s dad Craig Yates, hadn’t felt unwell but because her blood pressure was high, staff at The Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan decided to check Leo’s progress.

“I went for an extra scan because my blood pressure was high and from that they thought Leo might not be growing,” said the 30-year-old.

“They said they had to take me down straight away and give me an emergency c-section.

“It was quite a shock.”

Leo was born weighing just 2lb, 1oz on June 26 and spent eight weeks in the neo-natal unit at Wigan Infirmary.

“Leo had to stay on the unit until he started growing and he could feed on his own,” said Jo, who works in retail.

“He needed oxygen and lots of help while he was on the unit and there were some complications, but he is doing fine now and is putting on weight.

“I didn’t realise how busy they were. I was just amazed at the work they do.

“We wouldn’t have him if it wasn’t for them. I hadn’t felt unwell so it was just a check-up because I had high blood pressure. I wasn’t due another scan so who knows what would have happened.

“It was terrifying because we didn’t know what was going on. No one knows why this happened and I don’t think they ever will.

“The worst bit was because I had a full spinal,so I couldn’t even see Leo after he was born and it was quite hard to explain to me what was happening.

“But all the nurses were so helpful and friendly — they helped me understand.

“I just want to raise a bit of money and awareness as a thank you to them.”

Jo, of Dodhurst Road, is holding the fun day on Sunday, November 2, at Leigh East ARLFC at Leigh Sports Village from noon until 4pm.

There will be stalls, cakes and crafts and a bouncy castle, with all proceeds going to Wigan neo-natal unit. For more information, call Jo on 07528 106060.