IT WAS a charity ride that was inspired by his granddaughter and will help care for scores of newborn babies in need of life saving care.

Devoted grandfather Bob Cummings took on a sponsored bike ride to “give something back” to the hospital who looked after premature Chloe Russell who was born at 23 weeks, weighing just 1lb 5oz.

As a result of his efforts on the 60-mile trek around the Isle of Wight and fundraisers, including a charity pub night and sponsored events, £21,935.85 was raised for Southampton Hospital Charity.

The money has paid for two new cots at the hospital’s neonatal unit and a vital piece of laser equipment that can prevent long term eye problems including blindness that can affect premature babies.

Speaking after the installation of the equipment at The Princess Anne Hospital, Bob, 62, from Freemantle, said: “It was thanks to the wonderful care and dedication of staff at the unit that we have a gorgeous granddaughter. It was our way of saying thank you.”