A CHARITY set up in memory of a tragic two-week-old tot from Bromsgrove is aiming to raise half a million pounds to prevent other vulnerable babies suffering the same fate.

Catshill couple Richard and Charlotte Sharratt set up Libby Mae's Little Angels in 2013 after the death of their daughter, who the charity is named after, at just two weeks old.

They have chosen Mother's Day this Sunday (March 22) to launch their ‘Little Angels Big Appeal’ to help support little lives in neonatal units across the region.

The campaign, which aims to raise £500,000, will be used to purchase state-of-the-art incubators for 12 hospitals in the West Midlands that will give vulnerable babies the best possible start in life.

Charlotte Sharratt said “We may be a small, family-run charity, but we have big ambitions and have already made a big impact since forming our charity in 2013.

"We’re really proud of the help we have been able to provide to babies and neonatal units across the Midlands.

"And I’m so excited, to not only see the difference our latest appeal will make, but also to raise awareness of the specialist equipment needed to assist in helping babies, and the memory of our daughter."

Libby Mae was born severely prematurely, after a pregnancy lasting just 26 weeks, at Birmingham’s Woman’s Hospital seven years ago next month.

Upon birth, she was struggling to breathe due to a heart condition and although she began to respond to medication - and even opened her eyes - one of her lungs had not formed properly.

While heartbroken by their loss, Charlotte and Richard were inspired to set up the charity to ensure their daughter's death would not be in vain.

Together with their team of volunteers and patrons, they have worked tirelessly to fundraise for and provide the necessary medical equipment needed to look after babies on neonatal units across the Midlands.

Libby Mae’s Little Angels charity has raised £350,000 to date that has helped fund nurse training, incubators, ventilators, hospital parent rooms and more.

The new 'Big Appeal’ aims to raise funds to purchase 12 cutting-edge incubators for the region’s hospitals, which cost £26,000 each.

Using three heat sources, the incubators help to keep poorly tots at their ideal body temperature at all times, which is vital because a baby’s energy is directed towards growth, rather than keeping warm.

To support the appeal, visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/littleangelsbigappeal and for more information on the Libby Mae’s Little Angels charity, visit www.libbymaeslittleangels.com

Consultant Neonatologist, Vishna Rasiah added: “Incubators are an essential component of the neonatal intensive care unit used to support babies born too soon, too small or too sick.

"They help nest and home these vulnerable babies during their stay on the intensive care unit.

"They provide a safe environment for these babies by regulating the temperature, humidity, light and sound so that they can be care for by the staff.

"Libby Mae’s Little Angels' current appeal will ensure that the units have the most recent state of the art incubators to help look after these babies during their stay on the intensive care units when they need it most.

"It not only benefits the babies but also the staff and the families looking after them."