A DAD who ‘never stops talking’ spent a day at work in silence to raise funds for a neonatal intensive care unit that helped keep his son alive.

Peter Wilcock, of Grisedale Avenue, Blackburn, did not say a word from 8am to 4pm during his shift at Stockley’s Sweets, Shadsworth.

In doing so he raised £301 in sponsorship for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the new Lancashire Women and Newborn Centre at Burnley General Hospital.

Peter was inspired to take on the challenge after several children in his family, including his own son Connor, were cared for by East Lancashire Hospitals’ neonatal specialists.

He said: “Connor is five now, but he had real trouble breathing when he was born and the care he received was absolutely fantastic.

“They were also brilliant when my niece Autumn was born last year.

“If I ever won it big on the lottery or anything like that, it would be the neonatal unit that I would give the biggest chunk of money to because I’m in awe of everything they do.

“Anyone who knows me knows that I never stop talking, so staying quiet all day was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

“The lads at work were firing questions at me and trying to catch me out, but I managed to write down everything I needed to say on a big pad of paper!”

Peter handed the cheque to Janet Pratt, sister in the NICU.

She said: “It's lovely that Peter has been so pleased with the care all his family members have received and we’re all very grateful for his donation.

“The money will go towards a new television for the parents’ room in the unit, which will make a big difference to the mums and dads who stay there while their babies are being cared for.”