A GROUP of mums who became friends during their time on Warrington Hospital's neonatal unit are celebrating one year of their Wire Warriors support group.

Josie Harrison, Emily Benbow, Leanne Davies and Siobhan Traynor all found themselves spending time on the unit after their babies were born prematurely.

Josie’s two young sons - five-year-old Freddie and three-year-old Billy - were both born prematurely, spending 14 weeks and nine weeks on the ward respectively.

Josie, from Great Sankey, said: "We all have something in common and formed friendships on the ward.

Warrington Guardian:

"There is a long journey once you leave hospital too and it can be hard.

"It is a tough time and we formed the group so there are other women you can chat to and make friends with.

"Freddie came out of hospital on oxygen, so it was difficult to take him out and access normal mum and baby groups.

"Sometimes you just need to talk to someone else who understands how much of a struggle it can be."

The Wire Warriors have taken their group one step further and now spend time volunteering on the neonatal unit, offering support to new parents and letting them know that the group is there once they leave hospital.

Warrington Guardian:

More mums are joining the group each week and they recently celebrated their biggest turnout yet.

To mark one year since they formed the group, the mums hosted a party at the Jungle play area with balloons and cake.

Wire Warriors meet on the first Friday of every month at the Jungle on Pinners Brow Retail Park from 10am to 11.30am.