A LITTON CHENEY mum of premature triplets and twins has embarked on a baking bonanza to raise money for the charity that helped her.

When Caroline Pike, 34, gave birth to triplets Ben, Edward and William nearly seven weeks early they weighed no more than a bag of sugar each and were all immediately taken to the special baby care unit because of their size.

While William spent six months in hospital and had three operations - and later, after she gave birth to premature twins - Mrs Pike said she relied on support from premature baby charity Bliss.

Mrs Pike said their help inspired her to give something back, so alongside being a Bliss Champion, she has organised a fundraising cake sale event today as part of the national Bake for Bliss event.

She said: "Bliss are a massive part of supporting parents in hospital or at home. They help with research, improving family-centred care, provide nurses in hospital, and provide literature which helps parents to cope with the experience of having a premature baby.

"Being a mum who has gone through that and having a baby in hospital for six months from birth, if it wasn't for someone from Bliss with the literature and having someone to talk to over the phone I don't know what I would have done."

Mrs Pike added: "I don't think people realise how precious being pregnant is. In one day it can all change. It's such an emotional time.

"Not many people do talk about their experience because it cuts you so deep. It's so scary and you blame yourself, when sometimes there's no reason [why the baby is born prematurely].

Caroline said that every donation, however small, could make a difference to the families affected by these issues.

"Come down, support us and buy a cake, or pop in to give a donation if you don't like cake. Anything will make a difference - think about what that money could do for research or providing a nurse. "

Mrs Pike added that she wanted to pass her thanks on to the Bridport Children's Centre on Gundry Lane for allowing her to host the event at the toddler group.

The cake sale takes place this morning (February 12) from 9.30-11.15am; for more information, visit bliss.org.uk/Event/bake

Parents of premature babies are also welcome to contact Caroline about support by emailing carolinedenisepike@hotmail.com