A WEYMOUTH mother who has raised more than £10,000 for a piece of lifesaving medical equipment is making one final plea for donations. 

Gemma Baker, one of the organisers behind Freddie’s Fundraiser, would like to raise £15,000 for a cooling jacket at Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton. 

Miss Baker was inspired to raise money for it after the same piece of equipment saved her son’s life. 

The hospital’s neonatal unit wrapped her son, Freddie, in the jacket after he was distressed at birth and suffered a febrile fit. 

The jacket reduced his body temperature and the risk of brain damage. 

Freddie, now 22 months old, has not had another fit since. 

The current total, which stands at around £13,000, has been well-received at the hospital, according to Gemma. 

She said: “I thought it would be great to get £10,000 to give them.  I never expected to get £13,000.  Now I’m so close. 

“It’s been absolutely fantastic.  As I’ve been putting it on Facebook, they can see what I’ve raised.  They have been really pleased. 

“They’ve wished me all the best to get it.” 

A cooling jacket is used to prevent later damage when a baby is suffering a lack of oxygen. 

The jacket helps stop a series of complicated chemical reactions in the brain which can go on to cause cell damage. 

Gemma previously organised a fun day at the Marquis of Granby pub in Weymouth.  The day’s activities included a raffle, cake and craft stalls and a bouncy castle.  More than £6,000 was raised on the day.  Gemma said she received significant support from the hospital. 

Miss Baker has also raised money through a sponsored spin event and donations from customers at the Marquis of Granby. 

She said: “I’d like to say thank you to all the customers from the pub.  They’ve been very supportive with their generous donations.  I’d also like to thank all of Freddie’s family and friends for their ongoing support through all the fundraising.” 

If you would like to donate you can send money into the PayPal account attached to freddiesfundraiser@outlook.com.