A CHARITY auction was recently held to raise money for Derriford Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and the Meningitis Research Foundation, for their roles played in the survival of a Tavistock baby boy.

This followed an emotional story surrounding Albert Manning, a baby boy born on June 20 last year, who was diagnosed with group B Streptococcal septicaemia and bacterial meningitis at only 12 hours old.

Mother of Albert, Kate Jarman, said: 'We thought we would lose our precious baby, but fortunately he started to recover thanks to the amazing NICU team at Derriford hospital.'

After returning home with their baby, parents Kate and David were dealt a second blow; Albert would have to fight a second case of Meningitis at just six weeks old.

The family returned to hospital for a further four weeks in which time Albert made an amazing recovery. Albert and his parents were soon allowed to go home.

Albert's parents said: 'We have had a really tough time, but we are so happy to have our baby home.

'He is now 10 months old and thriving!'

Altogether, the charity event raised £4,600 that was split and donated to Derriford NICU and the Meningitis Research Foundation.

David Manning and Kate Jarman would like to thank everyone involved with the event.