FRIENDS, family, and strangers have rallied around to support the family of a baby who was born prematurely weighing five times less than an average newborn.

Jake and Chloe Banyard welcomed their son Vinnie last Wednesday at just 24 weeks weighing only 600g (1.3lbs).

His sudden arrival has seen his parents face a daily journey back and forth between their home in Colchester and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge where Vinnie remains receiving specialist care.

The cost of the daily 100-mile round trip, coupled with the rising cost of living, is mounting up for adoring parents Jake, a bricklayer, and Chloe, a bartender, who have both found themselves suddenly unable to work.

Gazette: Parents - Jake and Chloe Banyard with their three eldest childrenParents - Jake and Chloe Banyard with their three eldest children (Image: Jake Banyard)

But an online fundraising page set up by a family member is keeping the couple going for now, with generous supporters donating almost £1,000 to support the young family over the last few days.

Jake said: “The support has been overwhelming because we didn’t realise how much people were following our story and supporting our family. We’re quite touched by it all.

“There are other people who have been in the position we’re in before who are strangers to us, but they know how difficult it can be to support yourself and your family. Everyone’s mucked in and helped out.”

The dad-of-four said the family is keeping strong and managing to get their eldest sons, who are six and eight, to school despite the daily trips to the hospital.

Gazette: Newborn - Vinnie Banyard weighed just over 1lb when he was bornNewborn - Vinnie Banyard weighed just over 1lb when he was born (Image: Jake Banyard)

“Our other children understand what’s happened and they’ve been able to meet Vinnie, but we’re trying to keep things as normal as possible for them,” he explained.

“They ask every day how he is and we give them updates, but it’s a lot for them to take in and they get a bit emotional in the evenings.”

He estimates he and Chloe are spending about an extra £15 every day on fuel to be able to be by their son’s side.

Friends of the couple have also organised a raffle to raise some extra money to support the family.

To support the Banyard’s, visit gofund.me/ec96ea7c.