A COUPLE whose triplets were born two months premature – each weighing little more than a bag of sugar – are supporting other parents whose babies need neonatal care.

Matthew and Sarah Ramsden's tiny daughters – Grace, Josie and Scarlett – spent five weeks in neonatal units before they were allowed home.

Grace became seriously ill at three weeks, and it was touch and go as she battled to survive.

But now all three girls are fighting fit and their parents have become Airedale Hospital's first Bliss Champions.

They will offer peer support to parents of babies in the neonatal unit and raise awareness of the Bliss charity, which works to provide care and help for premature and sick babies and their families.

The couple have been involved with the organisation, helping to raise thousands of pounds for the cause, since their daughters were born two-and-a-half years ago.

"When you have a premature baby you can feel quite isolated," said Sarah, 28.

"We started attending a family group run by Bliss – it was a safety net for us. We have been involved ever since and our work with the charity has escalated.

"There is an excellent team of volunteers locally which we are pleased to be part of.

"When we heard that Airedale was appealing for people to become Bliss Champions we had no hesitation in volunteering.

"Most champions are parents who have been through the experience of having a premature baby themselves.

"It gives the new parents a chance to speak to someone on a peer level. We are not experts, but we can relate to what they are going through and reassure them that there is all sorts of help and support available."

Sarah and engineering company director Matthew, 39, who is believed to be one of the first male Bliss Champions in the country, said the initial feedback about their new role had been very positive.

"We've had some really good comments from people including doctors and nurses on the unit," said former Keighley woman Sarah, who now lives at Burley-in-Wharfedale.

"We're planning a special treat for babies and families who will be in the unit this Christmas. We've managed to secure some funding for gifts which we'll be taking along on Christmas Eve."

Sarah said the charity always welcomed new volunteer helpers, and a North Leeds and Airedale family support group – for anyone whose baby has spent time on a neonatal unit – meets on the last Friday of every month at Menston Children's Centre, from 10am to 11.30am.

E-mail sarahblissambassador@gmail.com for further details.

Visit bliss.org.uk for more information about the charity.