A BEREAVED father has handed over a cheque for £1,800 to York Hospital's special care baby unit - money raised when he spent a creepy night sleeping at York Dungeon.

Andrew and Elizabeth Kerry's first child together, Maisie, was born on August 27, suffering from a rare genetic disorder. She clung on to life for four days but, sadly, died on September 1, in the special care baby unit.

Because of the hard work, dedication and care of all the staff at the unit, Andrew and Elizabeth, of Juniper Drive, in Selby, wanted to do something to thank them and help other babies.

He said: "Because of the time we spent in the unit and the care given by the nurses, we wanted to raise some money for them.

"They did as much as they could. The quality of care was very, very good. Also afterwards, when Maisie passed away, they were there for us all the time. We were getting phone calls from the hospital and the support was excellent. We never felt alone."

To give something back to the unit, Andrew decided on a fundraising challenge.

He said: "I kept thinking of ideas that I could do. I have done stuff in the past like jumping out of a plane for the National Children's Homes, and I've gone on a roller coaster for an hour for them.

"I'd seen these Most Haunted programmes on TV so I thought I would have a bash at that."

To fulfil the challenge Andrew, who is a retail manager, contacted York Dungeon, in Clifford Street, and asked if staff would be prepared to let him and some friends sleep among the exhibits for a night.

They agreed, and Andrew and nine mates slept on the concrete floor among the waxworks - complete with the agonising sounds of torture victims ringing in their ears.

Andrew said: "It was spooky but it was fine.

"It's a lot different on a night time when the lights are out and it's the early hours of the morning and you're looking at the waxworks."

To help Andrew even further, York Dungeon also donated family tickets to the attraction which have been raffled for the baby unit.

The money collected will be used to purchase overhead heaters and ventilator platforms for babies who need intensive care.

Staff at the unit are also hoping to put up a plaque in memory of Maisie.

Staff nurse Debbie Elsegood, who is also chairman of the unit's support group, said the money was really appreciated.

She said: "It really does make a difference.

"I don't think people always realise how much we appreciate it."