Bowled over. That’s the only way to describe how mum Joanne Green feels about the success of the 24-hour 10-pin bowling marathon she organised.

Joanne’s son, Jack, received specialist care in the Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Unit, based at Medway Maritime Hospital, after he was born 12 weeks early.

She was so grateful for the care they gave him, she decided she would repay their kindness by raising money for some new up-to-date equipment.

More than £6,300 was raised.

The equipment will support babies in the unit, so they don’t have to be transported elsewhere for specialist treatment.

Joanne and her husband, Phil, who live in Chatham, came up with the idea of the 24-hour bowling marathon and had persuaded about 12 friends to pledge their support. But Joanne was determined to raise as much money as possible and she asked the Medway Messenger to help by appealing for more people to take up the challenge, which was held this weekend in Lordswood.

Joanne, 30, said: “Jack was looked after for six weeks on the unit When he was born he only weighed 3lb 3oz and the staff there are so dedicated they kept him alive. They never left his side.

“We just wanted to give something back and we were so pleased with the response we got from the paper appeal as more people came forward.

A number of the people who took part did so because their sons or daughters were cared for on the unit.

Joanne said: “We started at noon on Saturday and we had more than 20 people bowling continuously.

“It was brilliant and between us we have managed to raise £6,350, which is a fantastic amount. One man alone raised more than £1,000.