ELEVEN months after his death, Derek McDonald’s family continue to raise cash for the baby unit that once saved his life.

Derek died this January, aged just 25, after succumbing to Ondine’s Curse, a condition in which the sufferer can stop breathing in their sleep.

At his packed-out funeral in Haydock, mourners donated £1,250, which was handed over to the Special Care Baby Unit in Whiston Hospital, where Derek was treated soon after being born.

The money was used to buy an oxygen saturation monitor, bearing a plaque inscribed with his name.

A recent memorial night was held for the fanatical Evertonian, which raised a further £1,000.

His father, also called Derek, said: “It’s an honour for us to come back and place a plaque in Derek’s memory at the unit, where he and so many others have been given a chance.

"These donations are to show our appreciation and will hopefully help the unit to give more babies a chance.”

Ann Marr, chief executive, said: “The Trust is very proud of the excellent care patients receive at the Special Care Baby Unit and we are very grateful for these kind donations.

"They have helped us to buy a useful and very important piece of equipment, from which many babies will benefit.”