An appeal to provide accommodation for parents of sick and premature babies has received a boost.

Eastern Daily Press: Bethany and Simon Kemp and daughter Isla, hand over a cheque for £7,766.50 which was raised to thank staff who cared for Isla when she was born 14 weeks early. Photo: NNUHBethany and Simon Kemp and daughter Isla, hand over a cheque for £7,766.50 which was raised to thank staff who cared for Isla when she was born 14 weeks early. Photo: NNUH (Image: NNUH)

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital aim to raise £15,000 to provide free rooms close to its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where parents can stay while their baby is being treated.

Bethany and Simon Kemp presented NICU staff with a cheque for £7,766.50 towards the McKee House appeal.

The couple raised the money through a Baby Rocks charity evening to thank staff who cared for their daughter Isla when she was born by emergency caesarean section last year, almost 14 weeks early.

Mrs Kemp, said: 'We felt incredibly fortunate that we live close by to the hospital and couldn't imagine how difficult it would have been if we had to travel far.

'We made friends who used McKee house and understand the importance of being close to your baby in such a tough situation.'