Co Down baby who doctors said wouldn't survive 48 hours now thriving

A Newtownards mum and her premature son were told that they "may not last 48 hours" following an emergency C-section in the Ulster Hospital.

Now, 15 months later Rachel Irvine is planning to run the Belfast Marathon as a way of giving back to those who supported her and her son Oliver during that time as he continues to defy the odds.

On January 13, 2023, Rachel was preparing to finish up in work and start her maternity leave when she felt something concerning and went to the doctor to be checked out, fearing that something could be going wrong with her pregnancy.

Read more: Craigavon mum opens up on baby daughter's rare condition after 'traumatic' birth

She rang the emergency out of hours line and was told that her symptoms were not too concerning, but one day later she was being rushed into theatre to undergo an emergency C-section that ended up lasting for four hours, more than four times longer than a standard procedure.

Following this, Rachel had lost a lot of blood and had her womb removed from her body in order to be repaired before being put back in place.

Her family were also told that she and Oliver may not last the next 48 hours and that there was a significant risk that Oliver could become brain damaged.

While the first few weeks of Oliver's life were very tough on both him and his mum, he has since gone on to defy the odds and is a happy and healthy young boy who has "left doctor's gobsmacked".

As a way of saying thank you to everyone who supported them during those worrying two weeks, Rachel is now planning to run the Belfast Marathon to raise funds for charity Tiny Life and the NICU unit of the Ulster Hospital.

Speaking to Belfast Live, Rachel said: "While I was pregnant with Oliver everything appeared to be going very normal and it was very concerning when we were told that I would have to go for an emergency c-section and the worrying outcomes that could result from it.

"But after a very tough two weeks we were finally able to make it home and I am so proud of Oliver who has defied the odds and is very healthy and happy young boy.

"But we wouldn't be where we are today if it wasn't for the amazing doctors and nurses at the Ulster Hospital who looked after us during such a difficult time and the charity Tiny Life who have provided us with so much support ever since.

"A few weeks after Oliver's birth, I made the commitment that I was going to run the marathon the following year for the hospital and I am looking forward to the challenge and saying thank you to those who have done so much for us.

"We have attended TinyTime each month since and have made many friends along the way. He has even visited the NICU ward too.

"This fundraising is my thank you to everyone that helped along the way, we wouldn't be here without you all."

If you would like to donate to Rachel's fundraising appeal you can do so via this link.

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