Crafters have helped a grandmother raise hundreds of pounds for a neonatal ward which saved her premature grandson’s life.

Louise Poulton, owner of The Gallery on the Park, on White Street, opened up her shop window to local people who wanted to showcase and sell their own work.

In exchange for the space, the crafters each donated a percentage of their takings to go to the neonatal unit at Broomfield Hospital, in Chelmsford.

Louise, 50, picked the centre after they treated her grandson, McKenzie Hatcher, when he was born by emergency C-section at 32 weeks in July last year. The tot spent six weeks at the hospital and was kept in a £30,000 incubator for six days after the birth.

Speaking about her fundraising efforts, Louise said: “The idea just came to me one day. It’s such an easy way for me to give something back. We have raised £350 in just five months and I plan to keep it up to continue raising money for the ward.”

Last week the family went back to the unit to visit the nurses who treated McKenzie and to hand over the cheque.

McKenzie’s mum, Michaela Parker, added: “You honestly cannot imagine the amount of work the staff do to keep these little people alive until your put into that horrible position yourself. It’s 24/7 care. These wonderful people saved my son’s life.”