A FATHER of a "miracle" baby and "little fighter" who has been in hospital for nine weeks is preparing to take on a skydive to raise money for a charity that supports the Ysbyty Glan Clwyd's neonatal unit.

Michael Leigh Gray, 29, of Rhyl, has been inspired to take part in the challenge in August to raise money towards Cuddles. His son, Oscar, is being look after in the new £18 million neonatal intensive care unit, located in the Bodelwyddan based hospital.

Oscar was born on Saturday, March 17 at 27 weeks gestation, following an emergency C-section after a cord prolapse.

Following his “quick and untimely” arrival into the world, he has remained in the high dependency unit for the past nine weeks. During his short life so far, Oscar has faced many hurdles - he was diagnosed with E coli meningitis at five days old, two bleeds within the ventricles of the brain, chronic lung disease and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

Three years ago, Michael, who has been with partner Kara for three-and-a-half years, had a worrying experience with daughter Willow.

She was born at 33 weeks due to ruptured membranes. She required continuous positive airway pressure for 24 hours and was diagnosed with a heart murmur and stayed at the special care baby unit for three weeks.

Kara, 24, said: “Oscar is only six weeks old and during that time, he has fought so much - he is still fighting. He is has overcome everything thrown at him

“Mikey is excited by the skydive but also, slightly nervous. I am so proud of him. I can't put into words how much he means to me. He is the solid foundation that keeps this family together."

A JustGiving page has been launched by Kara's sister Cody-Jayne, which has already attracted £500.

Kara added: "Oscar is doing amazingly well. He is a miracle. All the things he has been through in such a short time shouts out how amazing he is.

"We are in the new neonatal unit at Glan Clwyd Hospital and we couldn't ask for better staff. They have done absolutely everything for us and we will always be forever grateful."

"Our daughter Willow turned three in October. She is happy and healthy with no problems. She is also Mine and Mikey's miracle.

"I want to say thank you to everyone who has donated and who is donated and to Glan Clywd Hospital for their ongoing care of Oscar.

"It hasn't been the easiest journey, but the care that we have had, has made it bearable."

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/codyjaynehughes