Ipswich Town and England football legend Terry Butcher is set to hand over a cheque to Colchester General Hospital’s neo-natal unit.

East Anglian Daily Times: Graeme Brooke - Adventures of a Tractor BoyGraeme Brooke - Adventures of a Tractor Boy (Image: Archant)

The money has been raised by die-hard Blues fan Graeme Brooke from sales of his book Adventures of a Tractor Boy, describing following the team for 40 years. The book, published in May, has already sold more than 600 copies.

Manningtree resident Mr Brooke, 50, wanted to help the unit after his daughter Leah spent four weeks there after she was born eight weeks premature, weighing just more than 4lbs.

Leah, now eight and also a Blues season ticket holder, will join her father along with Mr Butcher for the presentation of cheque for £1,150 on Friday at the ward.

Mr Brooke, a software test engineer for a Haverhill company, said: “Ever since Leah was born I’ve wanted to raise some money for the unit to thank them for the care, support and dedication provided. The staff were fantastic.

“What has amazed me is the number of people I’ve had contact with whose own children were cared for there.”

Mr Butcher, who played for Ipswich Town 1978-1986 and won 77 caps for England during a ten-year career, including three World Cups. added: “It is great Graeme has been able to raise much-needed monies for a great charity as a result of his devotion in following Ipswich Town. The book is a great read and for a fantastic cause and will hopefully sell many more copies.”

Sister Karen Moss from the Neonatal Unit said: “The team are so pleased to be remembered by Graeme.

“We are a very progressive unit and always looking to buy new equipment which brings the latest technologies to Colchester, so I am confident we will be able to use this fantastic donation in a way that really helps our babies.”