PROUD parents Lisa and Stewart Earl are determined to repay staff who saved their premature twin babies after coming through a roller-coaster 10 weeks" of their lives.

The couple feared for the future of tiny Edison and Dylan when they were rushed into the special care baby unit at Medway Maritime Hospital after mother Lisa went into premature labour.

Then, after being allowed back to the family home in Fleet Road, Rochester, four weeks later little Dylan stopped breathing and they were both back in hospital for thorough medical checks.

Mrs Earl said: "Just when we thought we were over the worst we were back on the ward. It has been an up and down upheaval - a real roller-coaster of 10 weeks, but now they are doing absolutley brilliantly."

Born seven weeks early, Edison weighed in at 4lb 7oz and Dylan 4lb 3oz when they came into the world on February 18. Now they are so thrilled with the care they received in the Oliver Fisher unit they have decided to raise money to help other premature babies.

Mrs Earl, 34, said: "It is amazing to look at them now. They are nearly double the weight of when they were born. We are doing this to repay back the special care they gave to the twins. It is to make people aware of the fantastic work they do and help other premature babies.

"I would also stress that every little bit helps - large or small. And staff at the unit are always there to give advice on how to help." The couple, who have two older sons, are collecting foreign cash which they hope will help pay for vital life-saving equipment at the unit.

Even European currencies used before the Euro can be collected and donated to the unit. Groups, schools and individuals can find out how to donate foreign cash by telephoning the unit on 01634 825122.