A DONATION of £1,000 has been given to a Barrow family who had twin boys so prematurely that together they weighed less than a bag of sugar.

Donovan and Laurence Crowe, now aged 18 months were born in April 2015, at just 27 weeks old and weighed two pounds and two pounds three ounces respectively.

Both babies became poorly after contracting an infection but it was Laurence who was diagnosed with meningitis and Cerebral Palsy and later suffered a brain haemorrhage.

He is now blind, deaf and has a range of complex needs requiring round-the-clock care.

Steel work team leader Thomas Crowe, 24, and wife Jessica, 25, were thrilled with their donation from the Lake District Farmers, unaware this form of help existed.

Mum-of-three Jessica who lives in Hartington Street said: "They had already helped us out with a special Fire Fly seat for Laurence so we didn't expect any more.

"It was a lovely surprise, it's fantastic and a total shock.

"We can't thank them enough.

"Until you are in a position like ours you just don't know what help and support is out there."

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The donation will go towards the cost of travelling to specialist care units like Liverpool's Alder Hay and Preston where Laurence has already had several lengthy stays.

During the summer, Mrs Crowe had to leave six-year-old Gracie with her grandmother and move in to a special hospital flat.

"The last year has been chaos and felt like every time we got home, something went wrong and we needed to go back to hospital.

"Laurence had three lots of surgery this summer so were travelling back and forwards a lot and it's hard especially for my husband as he works.

"Gracie has been amazing, she loves her brothers and she doesn't know any different.

"She thinks all babies are like that and some days I wish I could keep her at home with me because she's so fantastic," said Mrs Crowe.

Both twins are now doing well with Donovan embracing nursery and Laurence potentially receiving a cochlea implant.

Soon the 18-month-old might start attending Hindpool nursery, in Bath Street who say they can provide the complex care and support needed.

Former student nurse Jessica added: "Donovan has reached all his milestones.

"Some doctors said Laurence shouldn't even be here but he laughs, he smiles and he loves a cuddle which is as much as we can ask for.

"It's been stressful but we're so lucky to have such a big family."

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Have you been affected by this story? You can apply for the Lake District Farmers Armstrong Family Charitable Trust here.