A FUNDRAISING campaign to help the family of a baby that was born three-months prematurely in Spain has raised almost £4,500.

Breightmet mum Karla Hornby gave birth to tiny Freddie, who weighed just 2lbs, while on holiday with her partner Jordan Jackson — Freddie’s dad — in Benidorm last Saturday.

Ms Hornby had been medically cleared to fly to the Spanish resort with her baby not expected for another three months — and the couple wanted a final relaxing holiday before the birth.

But the 29-year-old was shocked and horrified when her waters broke while she was sitting by the hotel pool and she was rushed into hospital for an emergency Caesarean section.

Little Freddie is now getting stronger everyday and Ms Hornby said she is also feeling better after the painful procedure, but the family will have to stay in Benidorm for at least three months so that their baby can gain enough strength to be able to fly.

Family and friends at home in Breightmet have been donating money to help the couple with their living costs in Spain as well as purchasing items needed for baby Freddie.

Speaking from Spain, Ms Hornby, who is also mum to seven-year-old Charlie, said: “We are all doing a lot better — I am able to do a bit more now but Freddie is doing amazingly well.

“He was awake last night with his oxygen mask off listening to music — the nurses said he loves to be stroked.

“I am hoping to catch him awake soon because he was holding Jordan’s finger last night and looking at him — it was amazing.”

Speaking about the fundraising efforts from family and friends in Bolton, the 29-year-old added: “The donations and support we are receiving from home are amazing, I'm speechless.

“It will definitely take some of the stress away as now we know if the insurance won't let us stay here next month we now have the money to book it.

“We are going to go baby shopping as soon as I can walk and get him things like a car seat, bottles and nappies — just everything he will need really.

“We can't thank everybody enough.”

To donate to the fund, visit gofundme.com/st3kxfk