A COUPLE whose daughter was born at 25 weeks and spent her first six months in hospital are raising money for the charity that saved their child’s life.

Daniela and Grant Melluzzi, from Reading. are running the half marathon to raise cash for Babies in Buscot Support [BIBS].

Their daughter Ava was born weighing 850g in 2013 and spent six months in the Buscot unit until being nursed to health.

The baby girl overcame several hurdles through her treatment, including sepsis, severe reflux, eyesight saving eye surgery and a rare condition where she grew multiple cysts down her trachea which required more surgeries.

Mrs Melluzzi said: "Despite all that we went through, after 161 days Ava was finally able to come home and is now an extremely intelligent, energetic and defiant toddler. BIBS is so special to us and the unit supported us through the most painful journey of our lives. The nurses saved my daughter’s life more times than I can count and I want to ensure Buscot gets as much investment as it deserves.”

The race on Sunday April 3 will be the first time for the 26-year-old, and she will be accompanied by her husband and a small group of friends.

They have raised more than £300 for the unit so far.

She added: "I’m a little scared but I’ve heard that the Reading half is a great race for beginners so I’m just aiming to run as much as possible and contribute to the charity to improve the facilities on the ward.”

BIBS is a registered charity that supports babies and their families in the special care baby unit at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Craven Road, Reading.

Phil Meredith, chair of the BIBS committee said: “Babies in Buscot Support is thrilled to be one of the official charity partners of the Reading Half Marathon 2016 and we are very grateful for the thousands of pounds raised over the years by our runners.

"This year we are hoping to raise funds to refurbish the family rooms to create a more homely environment, create a new Parents Only lounge and continue to support Buscot Ward by funding the latest lifesaving equipment.

"Our supporters managed to raise £25,000 last year and we’re hoping this year will be our best year yet.”