Lilly-Anne offers hope after parents' sadness

Eight friends have just completed a sponsored slim to raise money for the neo-natal unit at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire. Reporter Hayley Harp found out what inspired them to take part in the challenge

AFTER two miscarriages within a year, Tracey Lowely thought she'd never become a mum – only to be taken by surprise by giving birth 11 weeks early.

The 25-year-old wasn't due to give birth to little Lilly-Anne until mid-November. But the youngster made a surprise appearance on September 3 when Tracey's pre-eclampsia meant she had to have a caesarian.

Tracey, of Irene Avenue, Mill Hill, said: "I was quite shocked when they said they were going to deliver her. I wondered if she'd be okay and was worried about what was going to happen. It was a scary time."

"It was traumatic going through the miscarriages and upsetting when nothing was happening. I was so glad Lilly-Anne was okay."

Tracey first fell pregnant with husband Steven in May 2008 but lost the baby at seven weeks.

The couple lost another child around five months later but were overjoyed to find out Tracey was pregnant again.

Lilly-Anne was born weighing 1lb 13oz and rushed straight into intensive care.

She underwent blood transfusions because of an infection in her blood and came home at 12 weeks old.

Today, she weighs-in at around 7lb.

Tracey said: "It was brilliant to get her home. It was tough not being able to take her home from hospital with me but I knew she was in the best place.

"She's doing so well now. I'm really pleased. I think she is gorgeous and I'm very happy with her."

Steven's dad Sydney Lowely, aged 52, of the same address, said: "For Tracey to have lost two children before Lilly-Anne and then for her to be born so early and pull through, I think she is a little miracle.

"I have other grandchildren but Lilly-Anne is my first granddaughter and it is great seeing her do so well.

Inspired by Lilly-Anne's ordeal, a group of friends set out on a sponsored slim to raise money for the hospital's neonatal unit.

Between them, they have lost several stone and raised about £200.

One of them, Tracy's sister-in-law Rachel Bryan, shed a stone over the eight-week challenge.

The 30-year-old warehouse operative, of Stanley Street, Tunstall, said: "I have been dieting since the start of 2008 and had lost quite a bit of weight already when Lilly-Anne was born but with her being in hospital I thought it would be nice to raise money at the same time.

"Slimming in a group and having Lilly-Anne to think about helped us to keep going.

"I can get into a size 12 now and I haven't been able to do that for six years."

Tracey added: "I'm happy they decided to help the hospital. They've done well and I have helped out by sponsoring them."