WHEN first-time mum Kimberley Hirons went into labour six weeks early, she and partner Tom Honour were racked with worry.

She was due to give birth on February 22, but unexpectedly went into labour just after New Year.

Mr Honour, 26, said: “My partner came home from work as normal with some pains.

“Within two hours she was rushed to the maternity unit and had an emergency caesarean section.

“We were not set for it. We had a month to prepare ourselves and the next thing you know, you have a premature baby.

“At the time we were very worried.”

Alfie was born weighing 3lb10oz at Banbury’s Horton Hospital and transferred to its special care baby unit.

Mr Honour said: “We did not know how healthy he was going to be until he was delivered.

“We were told shortly afterwards he was okay.”

Alfie, now nine months old, spent three weeks in the special care unit as a precaution.

Mr Honour said: “Apart from being a little bit small for his age, he has caught up in every aspect.”

Now, to give something back, Mr Honour has gained £1,000 for the unit, thanks to his job as manager of Oxford’s Chelsea Building Society.

Customers were asked to donated pennies from their account interest to the society’s charitable foundation.

When the George Street branch was asked to choose a good cause, Mr Honour knew where the cash should go.

He said: “The staff were fantastic, absolutely brilliant.”

Debbie Hancock, senior sister at the unit, said: “We are delighted with this generous donation.

“Charitable donations enable the trust to provide some of the extras which help to improve patient care and the environment in which it is provided.”

Bev Cox, the building society’s corporate responsibility manager, said: “We hope we can help many more charities throughout the country.”