User:Bridie McCormack

THE BIRTHDAY THEY SAID BRIDIE

Published on Thursday 21 October 1999 01:00

Miracle baby Bridie Edminson h

Born fighter Bridie weighed just 1lb 15oz when she was born three months prematurely, and doctors only gave her a ten per cent chance of surviving.Medics at Sunderland Royal Hospital had to resuscitate her when she stopped breathing just minutes after being born. And two days later she had to battle through a life-threatening heart and lung operation so surgeons could clear her air ducts.The youngster needed a ventilator to help her breathe for the first two months of her life and doctors had to run tubes into her nose to help her eat after her digestive system failed.Her mum Kelly said: "I never thought Id see this day. Shes been through so much, but shes a little battler, our special miracle girl."Bridie, of Stockley Road, Barmston, Washington, stills wears a mask because she needs to breathe pure oxygen, but doctors expect to wean her off the medication by next spring.Kelly, 23, added: "This is such a special day. Weve got all the family and our friends round for a big party. Everyone loves her because she is such a special girl."This time last year everything was touch and go. I couldnt touch Bridie because she was so ill. Just after she was born she stopped breathing and the doctor had to resuscitate her using a finger because she was so tiny."`"Shes still going to the hospital for check-ups but shes survived the worst now and were all so proud of her.