A vet whose baby died 13 hours after being born is organising a baking competition to raise funds for Colchester General Hospital.

Michelle Williams, of Wellhouse Avenue, West Mersea, has created The Great Mersea Island Bake Off in support of the hospital’s neo-natal unit.

Her first son, Harry, died on July 3 but was cared for at the ward and now she wants to help others.

She is being supported by her friend Sue Wray, owner of Mersea Island Bootcamps, and her sister-in-law Sara Williams who also lives in Wellhouse Avenue.

Mrs Williams said: “Harry was born at home, weighing 7lbs 8oz and was apparently healthy but a short while later he developed symptoms of septicaemia.

“He spent time on the Neonatal Unit at Colchester General Hospital but was transferred to The Rosie Hospital, Cambridge, where he died.

“We were devastated and decided that we wanted to help other people with sick babies in the Colchester Neonatal Unit.”

Bakers have until October 6 to enter the event, which will be held at East Mersea Hall, Church Lane, on Saturday 11 October, beginning at 1pm.

There will be six classes: cake baking, cupcakes, biscuits, filled and/or covered sponge, gateau or cake, bread display, and under 14s.

Entry costs £2.50 per class, and there is a cupcake decorating challenge for children to enter on the day.

Refreshments will also be available as well as stalls and a raffle.

All the money raised will be donated to the Neonatal Unit fund of the Colchester Hospitals Charity (CoHoC).

Caroline Bates, CoHoC fundrasing manager, said: “We are very grateful to Michelle for her support for the Neonatal Unit at this very sad time and hope that something positive will come out of this terrible tragedy.

“Donations to the unit’s charitable fund are used to buy extra equipment such as ventilators and specialist monitors which help our staff care for very sick babies.”

For more information about The Great Mersea Island Bake-Off or to enter visit the Mersea Bake Off Facebook page, or go to West Mersea Library at 13 High Street or call 01206 383321.

To donate money visit Mrs Williams’ JustGiving page or text HJWW50 £10 [or another amount] to 70070.