Ref. 28206-53Little David Stevens is a special baby for more than one reason.

Last year David was the last baby to be transferred from the Special Care Baby Unit at the former Princess Margaret Hospital to the new Great Western unit.

In spite of spending three months in the unit after he was born 13 weeks early, he is now a healthy little boy who has just celebrated his first birthday.

But instead of receiving presents David's parents, Donna and David, asked their friends and family to donate money to the baby unit.

The youngster returned to the ward with a big smile for nurses who cared for him - and a cheque for £450.

Donna, 28, of Taw Hill, said the little bundle of joy weighed just 1lb 12ozs when he was born.

"We were prepared for the worst when he was born," she said.

"He weighed less than a bag of sugar and it was a scary time. He spent three months in the SCBU and they saved his life on more than one occasion.

"He was on a feeding tube up until a week before he came home.

"We wanted to give this money to say thank you. David has a lot of toys from his brother James, who is three, so we thought rather than people buying him more the money would be better spent at the unit.

"Everyone has been very generous. My mum's office at Book Club Associates even did a collection to add to the donation."

David was born on November 17, 2002, after scans showed he was having problems in the womb.

Donna explained: "The doctors said he was very ill and that it would be safer for me to have a Caesarian.

"He now weighs just over 14lbs and is developing really well. He walks around the furniture but hasn't quite built up the courage to let go and have a go on his own yet."

The Stevens are now preparing for Christmas, which will be little David's first at home.

David, 31, an IT developer, said: "Last year David was still in special care so we spent Christmas day at the hospital.

"But the staff made it so special. They even bought presents for James, too."

Alyson McSherry, nurse manager of baby unit, said: "It's amazing that so much money has been raised for David's first birthday.

"He is obviously very popular. He was a real hit with everyone when he was here. Everyone thought he was very special.

"The money will go towards accessories for ventilator equipment."

aemery@newswilts.co.uk