ONLY a handful of people have stepped up following a rallying call from a Filby couple to help support a hospital’s bid for more baby beds.

The gauntlet was laid down by Natalie and Rowland Sells for people in the same position to play an important role in fundraising for the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital’s �500,000 Cots for Tots appeal.

Inspired by their son Daniel’s own miracle survival after being born three months early weighing a tiny 1lb 3oz the couple are brimming with enthusiasm but were hoping more people would come forward with ideas and interest.

However, they have received support from other parents at Filby Primary School where Daniel, now four, is a pupil.

Mr Sells said most people at the school had been unaware of Daniel’s difficult start in life which saw his first 104 days spent in the NNUH, dogged by setbacks and at times fully ventilated.

He added that he had hoped other parents that had similar reasons to be grateful to medical staff would have come forward to support their efforts and help raise as much as possible.

However he understood people lead busy lives and reckoned some people might be doing their own fundraising anyway.

The family, alongside parents from the school who are keen to help, say their motivation remains undimmed but that they might now be planning something on a smaller scale.

“I am a bit disappointed,” Mr Sells said.

“I had hoped that other parents would be in the same position and that has not materialised. We will now be leaving it until after Christmas but we are still very motivated.”

Scans revealed that Daniel was not thriving in the womb and could die or be born with a host of life-limiting problems.

However, today the little lad who is five in February shows little signs of the trauma that accompanied his first few months. He is hoping for almost everything he sees advertised on the TV from Santa and is particularly a fan of Peppa Pig.

Natalie and Rowland are still keen to make contact with other people to help them boost the proceeds from their efforts. Contact them on 01493 369077 or via rowandnat@ talktalk.net