Lottery winners from Maidstone who clinched a £1million jackpot in August celebrated their daughter’s first birthday by delivering some Christmas cheer to the neonatal unit where she spent the first two months of her life.

Adam and Amy Pryor returned to Tunbridge Wells Hospital 12 months after Charlotte's birth on Thursday to deliver some supplies for patients and staff to ease the strain of the festive period and thank them again for their care last Christmas.

Since winning the lottery, Mrs Pryor has been able to quit her job as a nursery manager and focus fully on helping support her daughter, who has significant health problems.

She said: “We wanted to mark Charlotte’s first birthday with something special and what better way than by bringing some supplies and cheer to the ward where it all started. We’ve been in exactly the same boat as the families here today and hope that in some way our visit helps.

“This time last year we were overjoyed to become parents for the first time but heartbroken that Charlotte had such serious health problems. As soon as she was born, weighing 1500 grams (3.3 lbs), Charlotte was cared for in the unit by an amazing team of dedicated nurses. Despite everyone’s help and support it was a terrible time for us and not the way we expected to spend our first family Christmas.”

One year on life for the Pryor family is happily very different but the couple haven’t forgotten how important the hospital was to them, and indeed still is as Charlotte continues to require frequent hospital visits.

Mr Pryor said: “In the early days and weeks we barely had time to think beyond the next test or treatment for Charlotte, our life revolved around the neonatal unit. It was a very difficult time but everyone did their best to help us through and this year we wanted to do something to show how grateful we are.

“Although it’s not much, by coming back on Charlotte’s birthday we hope it will give those families in hospital this Christmas some strength, and by stocking up the cupboards in the kitchen with all manner of goodies for the families and staff they will have one less thing to worry about this Christmas.”

Since their win earlier this summer, the couple have been able to move into a bigger home and create a playroom for Charlotte with sensory space to aid her development.

“We’ve also been able to buy new cars and most importantly, I’ve been able to give up work without putting Adam under undue stress," Mrs Pryor added.

"Just before we won Adam was working so much overtime we barely saw him. Now he is home in time to give Charlotte her bath and help with bedtime. It’s been a magical few months and long may it continue.”

"We hope that in some small way our donation today lightens the load just a little bit" - Adam Pryor

Neonatal unit manager Julie Moat said she was delighted to welcome the family back to the ward, which caters for babies who need intensive care, high dependency or special care.

She said: "Christmas is a particularly challenging time for families, just like the Pryors, who were hoping, or expecting to be spending Christmas at home. Nevertheless, we do our best to make it a very special time for everyone and this donation will really help."

Mr Pryor added: “This Christmas will be so different to last. We will be safely in our new home, with family around us but I know Amy and I will spare a moment to think of those who will be in hospital this year. We hope that in some small way our donation today lightens the load just a little bit.”