EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR JHCH

The John Hunter Children’s Hospital received an early Christmas present today, with the neonatal intensive care unit handed more than $5,000.

The maritime union’s Newcastle Youth Committee raised the cash, spurred on by the survival of one of its own.

Little Kai Mathias, who turns three next week, was born premature – today he helped hand over the cheque.

“We spent 10 weeks up here and he got stronger each day all thanks to the awesome staff up here in the NICU department,” said MUA member Cane Mathias.

(AUDIO IN PARTS)