A BRADFORD couple have returned to the city's neonatal unit to say thank you to staff who tried to save their baby.

Charlotte Swinton, 32, was five days overdue with baby Liyla when she was rushed to Bradford Royal Infirmary two years ago at risk of bleeding to death.

Her placenta had broken completely away from the uterus and doctors had to carry out an emergency caesarean with a medical team on standby to resuscitate Liyla, who was born without a heartbeat.

Despite BRI's best efforts, Mrs Swinton and her husband James, 37, made the heart-wrenching decision to switch off the ventilator that had been keeping their daughter alive. Tests had shown continuing intensive care was not going to help Liyla.

Now Mr and Mrs Swinton, from Loweswater Avenue, Woodside, have returned to the unit to thank staff for their care during Liyla’s short life.

Mrs Swinton said: “The care and compassion shown to us while we were on the unit were absolutely amazing.

"Staff kept us informed all along the way and they never rushed us. We made the decisions and they supported us every step of the way. They provided for our every need.”

The couple also presented doctors and nurses with a cheque for £960 which they raised during an evening’s entertainment at the Wibsey Sports and Social Club earlier this month and which was attended by Liyla’s consultant, Dr Sam Oddie.

Mrs Swinton added: “Dr Oddie and other staff came to the fundraiser which we really appreciated. They knew Liyla as much as us and were very much part of our journey - they still are now and are often in our thoughts.

“The fundraising evening was a thank you to them as it was important for us to be able to give something back to the unit and to other parents who may go through what we did.We will never forget Liyla and neither will we forget the amazing staff at Bradford Royal Infirmary.”

A further £960 which was raised during the charity evening will go to Aidan's Elephants, a neonatal bereavement charity which provides memory boxes for bereaved parents.

Since Liyla’s death, the couple have celebrated the birth of another daughter, Meyla, who is now 14-months-old. The family also includes Charlotte’s two children, Killian 12 and Carys 10, and James’ daughter Gracie, 9.

Consultant Neonatologist, Dr Sam Oddie said: “All the staff at the neonatal unit were deeply touched that James and Charlotte held this fundraiser in support of us. It was a real privilege to look after Liyla and her family in her short life – it’s not a case I will ever forget. I found it a great honour to be invited to the fundraiser in her memory. They are an incredible couple, who showed tremendous strength at the worst of times, and I was glad to meet members of the extended family. The amount of money they raised is impressive, and will be very useful to us in continuing our work of providing the best possible care to babies and their families.”