PARENTS of prematurely born babies will meet for a Christmas themed event next month.

The event comes a fortnight after World Prematurity Day.

Celebrated today, it aims to raise awareness of the challenges premature babies face - including life-long health problems.

Katherine Brownlee, 35, who is organising the festive Swindon event, said: "It's going to be really good fun and really good value for money.

"There's just going to be a great atmosphere, celebrating some lovely babies who have been born prematurely."

Called "Santa's Little Helpers", the event will feature crafts, play, a raffle and refreshments.

For mums and dads, it will also offer a chance to share the stresses of playing parent to a prematurely-born child.

"It's a good way to bring people together. When your baby is born premature it's a really tough time, so this event is to connect people," said Katherine.

All the money raised from the £2 per child entry fee will go to the Great Western Hospital's Special Baby Unit., the specialist ward for sick and prematurely born youngsters.

Katherine's three sons have all been cared for there.

Last December, her twin sons were born 11 weeks premature.

The Rodbourne Cheney mum said: "It was really, really tough - really isolating. And it's very stressful, because you don't know what the outcome is going to be for your baby.

"But the staff are fantastic and really good at walking you through what they're doing step by step."

Her twins are now home and doing well "considering what they've been through", Katherine added.

Santa's Little Helpers - Stay and Play is at Freshbrook Community Centre on Sunday, December 3, 1pm-3pm.

Tickets are £2 and are available on the door or by emailing brownlee.katherine@yahoo.co.uk.

For more, visit: www.facebook.com/events/121596211845321.