Stacey and Lee Clifton were heartbroken when they lost their son after a premature birth.

As parents already, they knew the joy a newborn can bring but then had to find a way to face the grief no one should ever have to endure.

But the youngster has inspired the family to raise funds for the hospital unit which cared for him during his short life, and they have now handed over a staggering £6,000 in his memory.

The couple, from Dartford, have two other children, and baby Connor was due around March 2013.

But on December 17, 2012, he arrived by emergency caesarean section at Darent Valley Hospital – 15 weeks early without warning or reason.

The family only got a chance to see him for two minutes through glass before he was transferred to the Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Unit at Medway Maritime Hospital.

Mrs Clifton, 28, said: “When walked into the Oliver Fisher ward for the first time it could only be described as the most unnatural and surreal feeling.

“With extreme fear and worry, Connor battled for his life for 11 days before he wore himself out and could not go on anymore.”

He suffered from various complications related to his early birth and died of a brain haemorrhage.

Mrs Clifton added: “The staff were amazing, so caring and always there and explaining things to you.

“Our youngest son also had to be looked after at Oliver Fisher, but obviously he survived. We owe them so much for everything they’ve done.”

At The White Swan in Ash Road, Ash, they held a charity family fun day with games and music to raise money for the baby trust.

“It was only meant to be a family thing,” she said, “but we had so much support from people it just grew. We will definitely do this again next year and make it bigger and better.”

She and Mr Clifton, an electrician, raised £704.90 on the day. The couple originally aimed to raise £1,000, but thanks to their efforts, including a 5km run last year and a swimming challenge by their older son, they have now collected almost £6,000.

If you wish to donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/remember/46811/Connor%20Lee-Clifton