NURSES saved Morecambe couple Donna and Mark Brearton's baby boy's life when he was just minutes old.

Now the grateful parents are doing everything they can to give something back to the nurses and health workers at Liverpool's Alder Hey hospital - the workers who helped save baby Lewis, still suffering with severe heart problems.

And they're appealing, with The Citizen, for the people of Lancaster and Morecambe to help them help the kids' hospital.

Donna explained: "They have what they call 'A Tree of Life' at a home by the hospital for parents to stay. If you raise £3,000 for the Ronald McDonald's home your child's name can go on the tree.

"That's what we're trying to do for Lewis. There were many times when I thought he wasn't going to make it but he's a little fighter. He had to go back last week but he's come through. We're sure he's going to be fine."

Donna and Mark, who also have a two-year old daughter, Hannah, and a three-year-old son Luke, have been overwhelmed by the response to their appeal so so far.

National insurers the Abbey National have taken the cause of baby Lewis to their hearts. They've already held a "dressing down day" at their HQ in Bradford raising £236. The big-hearted company have also put money boxes next to a picture of Lewis in all their Liverpool branches.

Meanwhile the Breartons have secured signed Manchester United, Leeds United, Bradford City and Huddersfield Town football shirts and rugby shirts from St Helens, Bradford Bulls and Leeds Rhinos for auction to the highest bidder. Call Donna on 415083 to bid for them.

Also call that number for tickets for an occasion for all the family at a fund-raising night Morecambe FC Sports Auxiliary Club (next to the car wash at Christie Park) on Saturday May, 15 from 7.30pm to 12.30am. Children are welcome and there will be line-dancing and a disco as well as a raffle and tombola on the night. Tickets cost £3 for adults and £1 for the over fives.

Local business have responded magnificently for the prize draw with a number of prizes including a portable TV. But they still need a top prize as well as your donations. If you can help make cheques out to Ronald McDonald House at Alder Hey Children's Hospital and send them to Editorial, The Citizen, Victoria Court, Penny Street, Lancaster, LA1 1XN. Contact reporters at with any donations for the raffle prize draw ahead of the big night.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.