A mum and dad whose daughter was born with a rare respiratory defect and then was found to be blind in one eye, have praised medics for their support.

James and Liz Toal have said a big thank you by raising cash and presenting a pram to Airedale Hospital's special care baby unit.

And this summer, Liz, 36, of Denholme, whose nine-month-old daughter, Rosie, suffers from Pierre Robin syndrome, is to take on the challenge of the Yorkshire Three Peaks to raise more cash.

Rosie's birth defect left her with a small jaw and cleft palate. It meant she was unable to breathe normally.

To add to her woes, within days of being born on May 4, last year, doctors found she was blind in her left eye, a disability they said was a genetic defect.

They immediately had to launch emergency treatment to save her right eye, the sight of which was also under threat.

The little girl had already been through an operation to fit a tracheotomy tube, a breathing device in her throat, as Pierre Robin restricts breathing.

Liz and James, 30, of Denholme Gate, have had to learn to change her breathing tube and keep it clear and Liz has given up her job in IT training to look after her daughter full time.

Rosie was diagnosed with the respiratory problem within two days of being born. "We were shocked at first but doctors and nursing staff have been so supportive," said Liz.

She recalled how within 30 minutes of her birth, Rosie was on a ventilator.

Six days later she was transferred to Manchester for the tracheostomy operation and then spent eight days there before being sent to Leeds General Infirmary, where she was looked after for five-and-a-half weeks, and then back to Airedale for a few days.

"We had to learn how to care for her," said James. "How to give life support, baby resuscitation and how to deal with her breathing tube."

Liz said: "After she was born I didn't hold her for two weeks. It was like being new parents but without a child."

James, a regional manager, said: "We had a nursery at home with all the things and no Rosie to go in it - it was very upsetting."

Rosie is susceptible to lung infections and has already spent two sessions in Airedale Hospital receiving treatment.

She will have to continue with the breathing tube for some time and then later have an operation to repair her cleft palate.

Liz aims to raise more cash for the children's unit at Airedale and for the Bradford respite care service.

The couple have also donated equipment to Leeds General Infirmary.