Me and Ruby's dad were on a little holiday in Wales, at this point I was 27 weeks + 2 days. I'd been in the sea, lying in the sand and just had a brilliant time. I'd noticed my back was niggling, but didn't think anything of it. But as the day went on it got worse. We got back to the caravan and I decided to lie down, but I started experiencing pain in my tummy, after being stubborn and thinking I'd just over exerted myself, we decided we should get some advice on what to do. We were told to go to hospital and get myself checked over, so off we went all the while the pain is increasing.

Anyway long story short, we got to the hospital just after 6pm and were seen and told that I was in labour and to far gone to stop it. I had Ruby at 7.48pm, she was born into a Tesco freezer bag to help keep her warm. She was 2lb 4oz born. I didn't get to see her as they were working on her and whisked her off to the NICU. We saw her briefly before we all settled for the night. The next morning we were told Ruby had suffered a bleed on the brain and needed to be transfered to the NICU at BWH. We got to Birmingham and was told Ruby had suffered severe brain damage and we were told that it was very likely that she would have some form of disability, that she might not walk etc.

From July to the August Ruby went between Bridgend hospital (where she was born) and Birmingham womens, Worcester and Hereford (home hospital). She was doing well and we were close to being able to take her home. Then one night she wouldn't settle, we were sent home to rest and come back in the morning, but we were called in the morning and told we had to get to the hospital as Ruby was extremely poorly. When we arrived we couldn't see Ruby for all the doctors around her bed. When we did she her she was so bloated all over and you could see her her veins, we were told she had necrotizing entercolitis and it was a matter of life and death. After hours and hours they had to make the decision to transfer her (even though she wasn't stable) to B'ham. She had a 5 police car escort and we were told that they couldn't guarantee that she would make the journey. We were so numb from hearing this. Off she went and we travelled up shortly after. She was operated on the next day and lost 40% of her small bowels... But she survived.

Ruby then spent the next 6 months in BCH. We had many more touch and go moments, but when we finally got told that she could come home, it was the most amazing feeling but also scary knowing we weren't going to have the security of the amazing hospital staff that took care of her. Ruby is now 11 years and has severe CP, Epilepsy, c.v.i, short bowel, completely gastrostomy fed and severe learning difficulties. We have had so many ups and downs over the years, but she's still here showing us what an absolute warrior she is. We are and always will be incredibly grateful to all those that work within the NHS and all those that helped to keep Ruby here with us. #NHSHEROS

Gemma drewie_g@hotmail.com No Yes