A group of parents in Norwich have set up a fundraising group to say thank you to the service that saved their babies lives.

Fundraising for NICU is holding events to help pay for vital equipment at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit.

The first event is a quiz at The Garden House pub in Pembroke Road this Saturday, welcoming teams of up to six people from 7pm.

Ben Burgess, one of the parents who set up Fundraising for NICU, said without the help of the staff and services at the hospital unit they would not have their children now.

His son Felix, a happy, healthy, 21-month-old, was born at home in November 2012.

'Everything was fine at first, but then he had problems with his breathing,' said Ben.

'He was taken to hospital and eveything seemed OK to begin with, he was just a bit blue. Before we knew it, they were rushing him over to NICU - there were about seven different people around him and a couple of doctors. He was put into one of the warm beds and had lines put into him.'

Doctors told Ben and his wife that the umbilical cord had been around Felix's neck, causing him to get distressed.

This then made him pass meconium (a baby's first poo), which got into his lungs.

'They showed us an X-ray and his lungs were almost full,' said Ben.

'Felix had a tube put in his nose and antibiotics were put into his stomach through his belly button. He was there for a week and there were times in the early stages when it was really touch and go.'

Ben said everyone involved with the group

'The staff were amazing - very friendly and very helpful,' he said.

'Never did they sugar coat things. They were nothing but honest and that's what you need. We realise how lucky we were and know that, very sadly, there are babies that go in there and don't come out again.'

Other events planned to raise money for hospital equipment include a gig in October at The Rose Tavern by The Lovin' Handful - a Norfolk-based eight piece party skiffle pop band.

The quiz on Saturday, which is open to all, has a cash prize and a cake from The Sugar Castle.

There is also a raffle with prizes from large and small businesses including Wild Cherry Gifts, Adnams and Jamie's Italian.

For more information, visit the Facebook page Fundraising for NICU. To make a donation, visit www.mydonate.bt.com and search for Fundraising for NICU.