A Ditchingham mum has been shortlisted for a national award in recognition of her devotion to her twin sons who were born 12 weeks prematurely.

Jonathan Reed nominated his wife Lucille for the Tommy's and PG tips Decaf First Hug Award after she waited more than a week to hold her son George for the first time after his early birth caused complications.

Despite the best attempts of doctors at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to delay her labour, Mrs Reed, 32, gave birth to twin boys at 28 weeks on April 25, 2011. Both were whisked away to receive urgent treatment, denying her the chance to hold her newborn sons. William and George weighed 2lb 6oz and 2lb 8oz respectively and had to be monitored in hospital for 10 weeks. Both boys were kept in incubators and had to go through numerous tests, injections, scans, x-rays and blood transfusions.

While they were able to hold William a few hours after he was born, the couple had to wait 10 days before George was well enough.

Mr Reed, 41, said: 'She was so ecstatic to be holding William yet inconsolable at the fact that George felt so far from her reach, he may as well have been on the moon. She felt guilty because she was doing the best for one child and not the other who was just centimeters away.'

After getting through the first week, both twins gradually grew stronger and were able to go home nine weeks later. Despite both having chronic lung disease, which they will grow out of, William and George are now happy and healthy toddlers.

The Tommy's Awards recognise individuals that make a difference to families, and in particular those whose lives have been touched by pregnancy complications or the loss of a baby. The PG tips Decaf First Hug Award celebrates the precious first hug between a mum and her child born too soon.

The winners will be announced at the Tommy's Awards in London, on March 20.

•Have you been nominated for a special award? Email amy.smith@archant.co.uk