I promised that something good would come out of a difficult time, says Walsall mum

Diane Watkiss from Walsall jumped out of an aeroplane for a skydive and sold baby clothes on the internet to collect the cash for the Well Wishers's charity.

The 43-year-old from Darlaston also arranged fundraising events at the local Conservative Club in an effort to thank medics who looked after her at Walsall's Manor Hospital where she gave birth earlier this year.

Diane's baby son Jensen was given just a 50/50 chance of survival after being born ten weeks prematurely.

Complications occurred when Diane suffered a placenta abruption a serious condition in which the placenta partially or completely separates from the uterus.

The condition can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients, and cause severe bleeding that can be dangerous to both mother and baby.

She also developed pre-eclampsia, which is dangerously high blood pressure.

But following an emergency Caesarean, Jenson was born weighing just over four pounds and spent five weeks in the neonatal unit at the Manor Hospital.

"That was the worst time of my life – and my husband's Paul's life," explained Diane.

"It was heartbreaking seeing Jenson so poorly but the staff in the neonatal unit were angels to us. I promised that something good would come out of such a difficult time which is why I set about fundraising and I am really pleased that we've raised a total of £5,106.15.

"We can give something back and this is our way of saying thank you for saving Jenson's life and my own life. It's also a big thank you to everyone who has donated over the past few months to help us." She will be handing over a cheque on January 6 – Jenson's first birthday.

"Every time we look at our little boy we are so thankful that he's with us," she added. "It was a truly terrible time for my family but we got through it. Our donation can be used to help buy equipment or other items that other families can benefit from."

Georgie Westley, Engagement and Membership Manager at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: "This is a fantastic amount of money to have raised in such a short space of time – Diane has done amazingly well.

"It is a lovely gesture and her kindness will help other families."

The hospital's charity is busy raising money for its maternity services. Cash raised will be used to help modernise and improve the wards. Money is also used to purchase specialist equipment, which is not funded by the NHS.

The charity's mission statement says: "We want to offer maternity care in a more homely environment, but using the most up to date and state-of-the-art equipment, which will make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of both mom and the baby."

Adventurous fundraisers managed to raise £3,100 for the maternity services appeal by taking part in a sponsored abseil off The New Art Gallery in July. The hospital trust has also benefited from the October Grand Night Out organised by local businessman and lung cancer patient Jack Moody who raised around £25,000 .