HOLDING a coffee morning to mark your 21st birthday might seem an unusual way of celebrating such a milestone anniversary.

But for Withycombe man Lee Thrush it was a way of thanking the unit that saved his life.

Lee was born almost ten weeks prematurely and had it not been for the care and expertise received in Musgrove Park Hospital's Special Care Baby Unit, he would not have survived.

So he decided to forego the traditional party and instead raise vital funds for the Taunton unit, which continues to save lives.

And with the help of family and friends, the event at Carhampton Village Hall brought in £475.

Lee's mum Ruth, dad Martyn, sister Claire and girlfriend Nicole Hadley were all in on the act, along with his grandmother and local fundraising expert Greta Thrush.

"It was a real family affair, a joint effort," said Ruth. "People were so generous - friends, family relations and many we didn't know dug deep into their pockets to make a wonderful final total.

"The money will go towards equipment to help save many more babies."

It was touch and go whether even Ruth would survive when she went into early labour with Lee in 1988 and was rushed to hospital by ambulance.

Her new baby weighed just one and a half pounds and spent the next seven weeks in the unit, coming home at one point for just a day before having to be re-admitted with a chest infection.

But Lee's early appearance into the world has never held him back and today the 6ft 1ins Tesco employee is a keen footballer and lives life to the full.

"He quickly caught up despite the difficult start," said Ruth. "He's always been grateful for the care he received from the medical staff and he knows they saved his life."

The family raised a similar amount for the unit when Lee was just six months old and for many years always took presents for the staff at Christmas.

"We'd like to thank everyone who helped at the coffee morning, donated raffle prizes or just came along to support this worthy cause," said Ruth.

Lee, meanwhile, did not miss out entirely on celebrating his special birthday and was treated by his family to a weekend away with his girlfriend.

Pictured presenting the cheque to Janet Venn at the unit are, from left, Nicole, Claire, Martyn, Lee and Ruth.