A grandmother is organising her fifth annual charity ball to aid premature baby care.

Nicola Orrell has raised nearly £60,000 since starting the event.

Every penny has been donated to local hospitals, including Royal Bolton and Royal Oldham Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), Ronald McDonald House Manchester, Manchester Children's Hospital and SANDS Manchester.

Ms Orrell became a grandmother to two prematurely born grandchildren in 2019.

They were born at Royal Bolton Hospital.

Ms Orrell's grandchildren were born 15 weeks early in 2019Ms Orrell's grandchildren were born 15 weeks early in 2019 (Image: Supplied)

Born over three months early, their fight for survival deeply impacted her.

Now healthy five-year-olds, their journey from the neonatal unit to starting school stands as a tribute to the work of neonatal specialists.

Ms Orrell said: "This cause is deeply personal to me.

"In 2019, I became a nana to micro-preemies, born 15 weeks early, at just 25 weeks gestation.

"Watching my tiny, fragile grandchildren fight for their lives was a heart-wrenching experience.

"The care they received from the dedicated neonatal specialists was nothing short of miraculous, and I am eternally grateful for the support that helped them survive and thrive."

She added: "Those once tiny fighters are happy, healthy 5-year-olds, full of energy and curiosity. Their journey from the neonatal unit to starting Year One at school, is a testament to the incredible work done by the neonatal specialists, but there are still so many families in need.

The charity ball is scheduled for November.

The organiser's efforts also make her the 'largest independent fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Manchester'.

This year, Ms Orrell hopes to continue her contributions to these vital services.