IT’S her way of saying a massive “thank you” to the dedicated team of doctors and nurses who saved her little boy’s life.

Hampshire mum Vicki Mills is full of praise for the “phenomenal” care she and her son James received after he was born eight weeks premature.

Now Vicki and her partner Lee Barnes are staging a charity event in aid of the neo-natal unit at the Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton.

James was born there in 2012 after an emergency C-section. He had to be resuscitated and spent the first 48 hours of his life on a ventilator before remaining in hospital for five weeks.

Vicki, 27, of Hythe, said: “I was quite unwell after James was born but the care and support we both received was phenomenal.

“The nurses were always on hand and a consultant was available if needed. If you had a question it was answered and if you had a problem you were helped straight away.

“A lot of people like to say bad things about the NHS but I can’t fault the neonatal team. They were absolutely brilliant.”

Last year James was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and needs four physiotherapy sessions a day, which Vicki carries out at home.

She said: “It’s been a rocky road with lots of ups and downs but he’s such a contented little boy. He’s a little fighter and never lets anything get in the way of his happiness.”

Now Vicki and Lee are staging a charity pool and darts evening in a bid to buy the hospital a £2,000 incubator.

Vicki said: “The family would like to say a massive ‘thank you’ to be neonatal team for all the care and support James received. Without them he wouldn’t be here now.”

The couple have already sold about 700 raffle tickets and Lee, 25, has raised more than £400 by giving up alcohol for a month.

• The charity event will be held at the Fountain Court Hotel in Frost Lane, Hythe, on Saturday 8, starting at 7.30pm.