A mum whose two sons were born prematurely wants to raise money for a charity helping parents in similar situations.

In 2009, Emma Findeis’s first child, Joshua, was born one month before his due date.

He weighed just 4lbs and had to be placed in an incubator and wired up to breathing apparatus in the special care baby unit at the QEQM hospital in Margate.

He was discharged three months later and given emergency oxygen supplies to combat his sleep apnoea.

“If it wasn’t for the special care unit Joshua may not be here today,” said Ms Findeis, 30.

“It was a long time without really knowing what was going on. Joshua was very tiny – it was tough.

“He had a lot of aftercare, but three years down the line he got discharged and everything’s good now. It was quite an experience to go through at a young age.”

Ms Findeis, from Broomfield, gave birth to her second son, Eli, seven years later. He too was premature.

“The second time around was just as hard because when you’ve got another child at home you split yourself in two,” she said.

“Even when you know what to expect it certainly doesn’t make it any easier.”

After giving birth to both of her sons, Ms Findeis found herself relying on the support of the charity Bliss.

She would often phone it to learn more about the care her children were being given and for advice.

“When Joshua was in an incubator, there were all sorts of noises and bleeps that I didn’t know about,” said Ms Findeis.

“You feel like you don’t always want to bother the nurses because they’re there to look after your child.

“I’d come away, give Bliss a phone call and it’d be there to answer my questions.”

With these upsetting experiences behind her, Ms Findeis feels indebted to the charity and the QEQM.

As a result, she has started fundraising £300 for Bliss ahead of World Prematurity Day on Saturday, November 17.

She added: “I also want other parents of premature babies to know they’re not alone as it can be so lonely.”

She will hold a walk at 5.30pm along the seafront, which will start at the Clock Tower and culminate in a minute’s silence.

To donate, click here.