‘Miracle’ St Patrick’s Day twins celebrate first birthday in Pulborough

Now, healthy little Bobby and Brianna Pettett are one year’s old and mum Nadia Truttero is the ambassador for Ickle Pickles, a charity that raises funds for medicine and equipment in neo-natal units.

Last year, Nadia’s family flew in from Northern Ireland to mark St Patrick’s Day at So India in Pulborough, but an unexpected surprise put a hold on the celebrations.

“I was 29 weeks pregnant,” said Nadia. “I should have gone to So India but about 6.30pm I had some back pains. I rung the hospital and they said you better just come in to be checked, and I had the twins by 8.30pm.”

Delivered at St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester, the newborns weighed 2lbs 14oz and 3lbs 5oz and were sent straight to the neo-natal unit where they were placed in incubators.

“It was very stressful, but I don’t remember it all that well, but now looking back I think it wasn’t so bad with St Richards - it is such a great hospital.”

A year to the day, the family have flown to Pulborough from Northern Ireland again to celebrate not only St Patrick’s Day, but the twins’ first birthday, back at So India where it all began.

Nadia’s mother, Margaret, said she remembers fleeing to the hospital dressed as a leprechaun.

“I had cried my eyes out because I was supposed to be her birthing partner but we were all here at the restaurant, so I rushed to the hospital dressed as a leprechaun.

“Today I feel absolutely wonderful - they’re a miracle.”

Nadia attends St Richard’s Little Wonders, a support group for families who have used the neo-natal unit.

To see how you can help raise funds for Ickle Pickle visit www.icklepickles.org or email [email protected].