A mother of premature-born twins decided the best way to celebrate her daughters' first birthday was to recognise the hospital which provided such loving care to her children.

Last year, Jodie Dotthobbs, of Borehamwood, gave birth to identical twins Tillie and Tallulah at Barnet Hospital when she was just 28 weeks gone.

Mrs Dotthobbs could not feel the twins move, and a day later they were delivered in hospital.

For the next ten weeks, her babies were cared for at the Starlight neonatal unit at the hospital by the nurses.

The unit cares for babies born too soon, or are too sick.

A year later and both Tillie and Tallulah are healthy and recently celebrated their first birthday with a party held at Three Ways Community Centre.

Borehamwood Times:

Tillie, left, and Tallulah

But instead of asking guests to give presents, Mrs Dotthobbs asked if they could make a financial donation, with all proceeds going to the hospital.

The mother, who thought she would never be able to have children, said: "The staff on Starlight ward were fantastic. I couldn't fault them and their communication because I was back and forth.

"I've been going back and forth since too for check-ups and my girls are now normal and healthy thanks to the hospital.

"I wanted to think of a way to thank the hospital, so when the girls turned one, I had a party for them and combined it with a fundraiser."

The mermaid-themed party at Three Ways, and a fundraising page, raised £1,200 for Barnet Hospital.

Mrs Dotthobbs added: "I couldn't believe the generosity of people. It shows that people do pull together. A big thank you too to Chloe's Kidz Parties and Bebs Cakes for their help with the party."

Last week, Mrs Dothobbs visited Barnet Hospital to present a cheque to the nurses on Starlight ward.