Ringmer's little miracle

MEET Ringmer's little miracle baby born nearly 13 weeks premature and originally weighing in on March 14 at just 29 ounces.

Thomas Michael David Salvage arrived from hospital at his Elphick Road home for the first time on Monday, now proudly weighing 80 ounces.

But he is still not, strictly speaking, due to arrive in the world until this coming Monday!

Mother Andrea, 35, was first told something was wrong when she saw her midwife on March 4.

She was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, a dangerous form of high blood pressure. At first the Royal Sussex in Brighton wanted to deliver Thomas after just 26 weeks pregancy. But then Andrea was transferred to a specialist hospital in Portsmouth.

There, they decided to try to treat her symptoms and keep Thomas undelivered as long as possible.

Those few days were invaluable.

On March 14, fearing that Andrea's liver might give way, they carried out a caesarian operation.

Husband David rushed down from Ringmer and camped on the hospital floor.

Tiny Thomas entered the world 90 days ahead of schedule.

Andrea remained ill for some little time but Thomas got stronger by the day.

After 10 days he was transferred to Brighton and later to Haywards Heath.

Said Andrea: 'He is truly a miracle baby. He fought all the way. We are very proud of him. He is a very special little fellow.

'I am also proud of my husband David and my eight-year-old daughter Nicola who had a lot to put up with. There was also great support from family and friends.

'At first they said he had a 40 per cent chance of survival but those extra days he remained unborn made all the difference.

'When he was born he looked like a skinned rabbit. But now he is a really bonny baby.'