The hospital unit that tried to save the life of a newborn baby is to receive hundreds of pounds from a sponsored karate workout.

In memory of Jak - Gary and Paula Lucas with daughter Libbie and nurse Sally Rowley Picture: SEANA HUGHES

Mum Paula Lucas will never forget the efforts made by Chelmsford St John's neo-natal unit to save her baby Jak who died when he was just six hours old.

Five years on she organised a sponsored fitness workout at Bramston Sports Centre, Witham, and about 30 karate students turned up to support her efforts, including her son Marcus Hodges, 13.

Mrs Lucas of Springfield, Chelmsford, said it would have been Jak's fifth birthday on January 7 and Saturday was an appropriate day to organise the fundraiser.

"It's my way of thanking them for all they tried to do. I'm hoping it will raise £2,000. I am so grateful to everyone who took part," she said.

Published Monday January 12, 2004

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