A couple whose baby died shortly after being born have donated more than £1,400 to a hospital to pay for a piece of equipment which they hope will give bereaved parents more time with their child.

Alex and Laura Starostenko, from Mundford, have paid for a cuddle cot for West Suffolk Hospital after their daughter Iona Erin died shortly after her birth last February.

The cot is designed to fit into a moses basket and helps keeps babies cool after they have died so that they can stay with parents for longer.

Mrs Starostenko, 35, said: ''The cot is really important as it means parents can spend a little more time with their baby, while giving everyone a chance to say goodbye.

'We were overjoyed with the generosity of so many people and we would like to thank everyone who contributed to our appeal.'

The money was raised in around three months after the couple starting appealing for donations via a Facebook page.

Mrs Starostenko picked out Fothergill Seeds for their donations after a bake sale week, the Carpenters Arms in Soham and Michael Quigley, who donated the final £250 for the appeal.

She added that the fundraising was also intended to raise awareness about the cuddle cot.

Patricia Davis, head of midwifery at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'This is a fantastic thing for Mr and Mrs Starostenko to do and we would like to thank everyone who supported them.

'Their fundraising will help others in similar positions and our staff are very grateful for thinking of us in this way.'

Are you fundraising for a special cause? Let us know by emailing reporter Andrew Fitchett on andrew.fitchett@archant.co.uk