MORE than �5,000 has already been raised to pay for a special neo natal bed at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital following a gruelling bike ride across the county.

MORE than �5,000 has already been raised to pay for a special neo natal bed at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital following a gruelling bike ride across the county.

Robert Tremaine cycled for 111 miles in memory of his son Toby who died at 111 days old after developing breathing difficulties soon after his birth.

Mr Tremaine, 37, from Potter Heigham and his friend Stuart Drabble travelled at an average speed of 14mph for almost 12 hours.

The pair started in Potter Heigham before riding to Happisburgh, up to Cromer and Sheringham, then hitting Wells, Fakenham and Wymondham before returning to Potter Heigham.

Toby fought for his life but died on January 20 at the NNUH. Although various tests were carried out none were conclusive when he was alive but an inquest revealed he died from a genetic condition which prevented his muscles working properly and restricted his breathing.

The money raised will pay for a special neo natal bed at the Neo natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the hospital for other children to use.

Mrs Tremaine said: “This was such a fitting tribute to Toby. We wanted to give something back to the hospital and say thank you for everything they did during the short time Toby was alive.

“It was an amazing day out and all the preparation was worthwhile. People joined us on the way for some of the race but Robert and Stuart finished it all.

“People came up to us on the streets and handed money over which was amazing. It was a very busy and hot day but totally worth it.”

The bed will be for babies who need neo natal intensive care but are of a normal size and will have lifts and an electric motor.

Any money left over will be given to the East Anglian Children's Hospice.

Toby was born on October 2 last year after a normal pregnancy and a trouble free labour. His birth took just four hours and he weighed 61b 11oz but he needed to be taken to NICU for checks and to receive a small amount of oxygen shortly after his birth.

Mr Tremaine and his wife Helena, 42, spent as much time with Toby as possible at the hospital with their other son William.

An inquest gave the cause of death as congenital hypotonia and interstitial pneumonitis congenital muscle weakness and lung disease, with death attributed to natural causes.

To help support Robert's fundraising mission log onto www.justgiving.com/toby_s_r_tremaine or email rgt160172@yahoo.co.uk.