HUNDREDS of mothers and children treated at a specialist Oxford maternity unit turned out in force at the weekend to say thank you to the people who saved their lives.

The Silver Star Unit, at the John Radcliffe Hospital, cares for pregnant women with special medical needs and their unborn children.

A Christmas party on Saturday to fundraise for the unit’s official charity drew in crowds of mothers who say they owe their lives to the dedicated team at the unit, which this year marked its 40th anniversary.

In July, the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals (ORH) Trust announced plans to close level six of the maternity unit, which houses the high-risk pregnancy Silver Star unit.

But thanks to a parents campaign, backed by the Oxford Mail, the unit was this year saved from closure.

In 2009, a shortage of midwives over the summer led to the decision to shut the level and shift all services and staff to level five.

People treated at the hospital during the period labelled it ‘bedlam’.

Placi O’Neill was among the mothers outraged by the potential closure.

Five years ago, while pregnant with her only child Conor, she was treated by Silver Star specialists because she suffers from a genetic disorder.

She said the team “saved her life”.

Mrs O’Neill, who is now treasurer of the Silver Star Society, set up in support of the unit, added: “I think the thought of Silver Star being moved made me angry more than anything.

“I was angry for the other mothers who could have missed out on the [unit’s] excellent care.

“If it wasn’t for them, I might not be here.”

Among those at the party, held in the Tingewick Hall at the John Radcliffe, was Silver Star Society patron Armando Iannucci, creator of spoof television presenter Alan Partridge, the political satire The Thick of It and its Oscar-nominated big-screen spin-off In The Loop.

He enjoyed the party with two of his three children born at the unit, Carmella, eight, and Marcello, 11.

Prof Chris Redman set up the unit in 1970. He has since retired but is involved in fundraising for the unit through the society.

He said some of the unit’s first patients are now grandparents.

Prof Redman added: “It’s wonderful to see so many people here today back in support of the place were they were born.

“Every one of the children is a little treasure in their own right.”