Oliver-Cash Lowther-Ryan weighed just 1lb 3oz and was only 7ins long when he was delivered on the third day of the coronavirus shutdown in March.
After a protracted struggle that necessitated medical attention at three different hospitals, he is now 12 weeks old and winning his battle for life.
Oliver, who was born breach, has undergone two perforated bowel procedures, 11 blood transfusions, two bleeds on the lungs, one bleed on the brain, three collapsed lung episodes, and cardiac issues. Oliver has been dubbed “Rocky” for his battle for survival.
The youngster eventually had the fortitude to overcome all obstacles and reclaim his life with his parents.
It took his 24-year-old mother Frances nine weeks to finally be able to hold her child. At the time, there were no words to adequately express the motherly love sensation.
She uttered: “Although it hurt to not be able to hold him, the moment I was finally allowed to was the best of my life. Being able to hold and touch my child was great.”
“I’d looked forward to it for so long I didn’t know what to expect but it was the most amazing thing, just totally amazing. I’ve never experienced anything like it.” “Now when I go to London to see him, I can hug him every time and he loves it.
“Not being able to keep him for the first nine weeks was torture but now it’s unbelievable.”
He has gradually cut off the ventilator for weight gain and has gone from birth weight 1lb 3oz to almost 3lbs.
Dr Ryan Watkins, Consultant Neonatologist at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Babies born at such a young age face a difficult start in life and I am so proud of the expert care our teams provide. “It’s always a difficult time for parents and especially those who are a long way from home”.
