AN Aberystwyth couple who pledged to raise money for the hospital that saved their son’s life would like to say thank you to those who have donated to their appeal.

Anna Maria and Julian Shelley, who live in Prospect Street in Aberystwyth, almost lost their third child in May when his heart rate dropped dangerously low during labour.

In a dramatic and terrifying moment the couple will never forget, Bronglais Hospital’s Dr Liliana Docan was forced to deliver little Joseph Joshua David Shelley “within minutes” by emergency caesarian.

Julian, 45, and Anna Maria, 41, who run the Cardigan Bay Guest House on Marine Terrace and were featured on Channel Four’s Four in a Bed, pledged to raise money for the hospital to thank them for saving their son’s life.

They set up a JustGiving page and have raised more than £600 so far.

“We are very excited that people have been so generous,” said Julian.

“Our original target was £350. We then increased it to £600 and with an element of optimism we increased it yet again. We are up to £650 now which is great.

“We really want to reiterate how grateful we are to the staff on the ward and to the hospital as a whole. Friends who I have spoken to who live in larger cities have said to me how lucky we are to have such a wonderful hospital.

“We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who made a donation, and it’s still not too late if anyone else would like to do the same.”

To donate to Julian and Anna Maria’s JustGiving page, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding­/julianshelley

The money raised by the Shelley family will go towards the creation of a new room on the maternity ward.

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now