A MOTHER whose premature son tragically died last Christmas Day is hoping to provide some festive support for parents with babies on the neonatal intensive care unit.

Isaac Uddin was born 17 weeks premature at Burnley General Hospital on December 23 and died two days later without ever making it home.

Isaac’s parents Nadia, 33, and Al-Amin, 33, said they were overwhelmed by people coming to the unit to drop off presents for Isaac and their seven-year-old daughter, Amina, and said they wanted to give something back.

And Nadia’s mother Jenny Kittos, 59, has made 60 cot quilts for the unit with the help of her patchwork and quilting groups.

They will drop the blankets off, some of which are in pairs for twins, on Friday before going back to visit the children on Christmas Day.

Mrs Uddin, who lives in Rawtenstall and works as a teaching assistant in Whitworth, said: “Our beautiful son, Isaac, was born 17 weeks early on December 23 last year. He was tiny, weighing only 625g. We were lucky enough to spend two memorable days with him before he passed away on Christmas Day.

“Isaac was born at Burnley General Hospital where we received care that was second to none. I had previously spent time on numerous wards there due to pregnancy complications and found that the professionals we came across on each department were all absolutely fantastic.

“The unit was particularly memorable for us. We were going through the most difficult time in our lives and were aided so much by the staff through their compassion and care for us all, including his big sister Amina.

“Another experience we had of Burnley NICU is how previous families came in on Christmas Day with gifts for those of us that were having to spend time there. This included presents for both Isaac and our daughter, Amina, which was such a generous thought.

“It was with this in mind, that my mother, a teacher of patchwork and quilting, began making numerous tiny cot quilts that we might be able to distribute in the NICU as we plan to go back to visit this Christmas.

“Along with some of her students, over 50 quilts have been made, all with the memory of our boy in mind whilst being made.

“Despite the tragic outcome of our stay in the hospital, we have always felt indebted to them and think this gesture would be very fulfilling for us and something we hope the families who have to be there this Christmas will appreciate.”