"Beautiful little miracles" spent months in hospital after being born prematurely.
The ECHO previously reported how Candice Jardine was forced to live in hospital for six months and told to "say goodbye" to her baby after giving birth just 25 weeks into her pregnancy. The 30-year-old gave birth to twins Teddy and Sofia at Arrowe Park hospital in 2019 after going into spontaneous labour while at work.
Born almost four months early, the twins each weighed just over a pound, and Candice wasn't allowed to see them for almost 12 hours as they were rushed away by doctors and put on a ventilator. Being born so prematurely caused severe health implications for both babies.
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The Moreton mum spoke out about how she was told to say goodbye "a lot of times" in what she described as a "roller coaster" experience. Both Teddy and Sofia pulled through and, at three years old, are now doing amazingly well in spite of all the challenges they have faced.
Candice attributes much of their progress to staff at Arrowe Park, who she credits with saving her babies lives on a number of occasions. ECHO readers have been quick to praise the "miracle babies" who they "pray will thrive".
Gill Villiers said: "Aw bless them so beautiful, so glad they are alright, little miracles they are," as Linda Jones wrote: "Miraculous." Joan Benson added: "How amazing. The nurses and doctors are fantastic. They delivered and looked after our grandson who was born prematurely. He is now a handsome 10 year old."
Sheila Burtmore commented: "Little miracles, bless you and your babies." In a bid to raise awareness of the incredible work done at the hospital's Neonatal Unit, Candice will take part in this year's Arrowe Park Abseil when it returns to the hospital this September
All the money raised from the event will go to Wirral University Teaching Hospital's (WUTH) Tiny Stars Neonatal Appeal. Participants will take on the challenge of abseiling down the side of Arrowe Park Hospital’s building during the event which will run for two days from Thursday, September 22 until Friday, September 23.
After sharing her story, many people were quick to share their very similar experiences. ECHO reader Sabrina Lee said: "I was born at 24wks and weighed 1lb 6oz. The nurses at Fazakerley hospital were amazing. Mum was told to expect the worst, but I'm still here almost 36yrs later."
Nichola Houghton wrote: "My daughter was also born at 25weeks weighting 1lb 4 an also got told she wouldn't survive but she's now nine and doing amazing", as Clare Ballard added: "My twins were born at 25 weeks they're now 5ft 9 and aged 14. Staff at APH SCBU are heaven sent angels the best at what they do."
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