Three months after battling a series of life-threatening health complications, well-known Orange sportsman Jamie Stedman has reason to smile.

On October 12 Jamie and wife Lesa welcomed into the world a healthy baby girl Isabella and last week they were handed a cheque of more than $10,000 thanks to the fundraising efforts of friend Matt Dean.

Mr Dean cycled on a stationary bike for 15 hours on September 15 to raise money to help the Stedmans get back on their feet.

The ordeal began in July this year when Jamie contracted pneumonia and was admitted to the high dependency unit of Orange Base Hospital.

His condition soon deteriorated and he was airlifted to St George Hospital.

He underwent a complicated lung bypass and was put into a coma for nearly three weeks after he contracted a life- threatening super bug and staph infection.

His wife Lesa was also struck down with pneumonia and admitted to the same hospital while pregnant.

Jamie’s recovery suffered a temporary setback two weeks ago when one of his lungs collapsed, resulting in another two weeks in hospital in Orange and Sydney.

“I’m going to be in pain again for another eight weeks but things are back on track now,” Jamie said.

“I don’t know where to begin thanking Matt for what he has done for us. It’s going to go a long way to help with the costs of treatment.”