A GRATEFUL South Yorkshire mum has told how doctors battled to save the life of her baby, born after just 26 weeks in the womb.
Tiny Liam Walton faced a long fight for survival at three hospitals in the region after being born weighing only 2lb 2oz - the same as a bag of sugar.
Now aged three, he still faces problems resulting from a stroke but is doing well and mum Bev a
nd husband Dave couldn't be more proud of him. Liam was born in Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital and at 10-days-old an infection resulted in him needing part of his bowel to be removed and shortened.
Because of this, he required a stoma - an artificial opening on the abdomen to collect waste. He was transferred by emergency ambulance to Sheffield for surgery and then to Jessop Hospital where the special care baby unit had better facilities to care for him.
Over the following year, Liam spent nearly seven months in hospital and had 10 different operations or procedures including two blood transfusions.
Following surgery to close the stoma, Liam suffered a stroke which left him with a weakened left side for which he receives daily physiotherapy.
His speech has been delayed, but he is now learning Makaton signing - a simple form of communication suitable for young children - with the help of his family and a speech and language therapist.
Liam's premature birth meant he had to have laser surgery to retain his sight and as a result of this now has tunnel vision.
The youngster attends a supportive nursery and is described by his family as "a typical little boy, boisterous and full of life" who loves playing with his older brother Kieran, five, at home in Branton.
Bev, who works as corporate services officer for NHS Doncaster, has helped to raise more than £4,000 for the Jessop's special care baby unit which she says saved the life of her son.
She said: "It's simply a way of giving something back and giving other children the same gift of life as Liam received. Had it not been for the vast experience at Jessop Hospital, and the wonderful staff, Liam would not have survived."
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