When little April Jackson was born weighing just 2lb 5oz, emotions ran high.

Her mum, Lisa, was only only able to catch a brief glimpse of her newborn daughter before she was taken into intensive care.

The tiny tot was born on October 24 – just over two months shy of her December 29 due date.

But, having fought against the odds, her mum – along with dad Phil and sister Eve – are preparing to celebrate her first birthday.

The family, from Clifton near Penrith, have organised a party at the North Lakes Hotel to raise vital funds for Bliss, a charity which aims to ensure that babies born too soon, too small or too sick have the best chance of survival.

The event is being held on October 22 – two days before April's first birthday – but Lisa says she also wants to use the opportunity to raise awareness of premature births.

“It's one of those things that you know very little about until you're in that situation yourself,” she told the News & Star.

“Pretty much right after April was born, Phil and I decided that we wanted to show our support and thanks to all the staff that were involved.

“When we were on the neonatal ward at the hospital in Middlesbrough, where April was born, we thought 'we've got to do something.”

Phil, a keen sportsman, is looking to secure a place in the London Marathon.

Together, the couple are hoping to raise £2,500, which will be donated to the neonatal unit at James Cook Hospital as well as the Special Baby Care Unit of Carlisle's Cumberland Infirmary, where April spent six weeks.

“Phil's a very active person, so wanted to do the London Marathon,” Lisa said.

“But rather than just ask people to sponsor him, we wanted to do something that everyone could get involved in and have a bit of fun.

“April is doing really well now. There haven't been any further complications.

“Whenever Eve walks into the room she's transfixed by her and they've build up a fantastic bond which is lovely to see.

"Eve saw what she was like in hospital and I think she really looks out for April.”

Lisa, who is a self-employed marketing consultant, used her own connections to organise the party, which is a formal evening event.

“I've organised events in the past and so we decided to book a night at the North Lakes Hotel. It just happens to coincide with April's first birthday, which is really nice.”

Lisa has already sold about 60 tickets for the event, which includes a three-course meal, disco and two auctions.

“We've got some really good prizes that people have donated,” she said.

“We've got tickets for the Beatles Story in Liverpool, tickets to Cirque du Soleil in Leeds, a ride in a microlight and an iPad.

“All-Star Disco are doing the event for free and the hotel aren't charging for the room to be hired so we're really grateful.”

“We're also organising an online auction where people can bid for a photoshoot, a free will and a tax return.

"Our nephew has also volunteered to wash your car.

"We're still looking for prizes, too, so if anyone who wishes to donate can get in touch.”

Anyone who wishes to book tickets for the event – priced at £30 per person - or donate a prize, can email lisa@acorn-marketing.co.uk or philip.jackson@armstrongwatson.co.uk