A FLINTSHIRE mum is looking to raise money to support the "outstanding" hospital which helped her "miracle" baby to survive.

Kylie Futia, from Buckley, went into labour at just 23 weeks into her pregnancy.

"I went into Chester Hospital on December 30 unwell and having regular contractions, it confirmed I was in labour and I had sepsis so I was transferred by blue light ambulance to Arrowe Park (in Birkenhead)."

The following day, Kylie, aged 31, began to lose her vision and had a very fast heart beat.

"I was taken to ITU labour suite where I was given steroid injections for the baby's lungs and magnesium and to help the baby's brain development. I was told I was in septic shock and went to theatre for an emergency C-section under general anaesthetic to save my life.

At just 24 weeks pregnant, it wasn't classed as a viable birth and the main priority was saving Kylie's life.

Amazingly, Presley Jacob Davies was born at 7.58pm on the last day of 2023.

The Leader: Presley pictured on the night of his birth.Presley pictured on the night of his birth. (Image: Family photo)

He was born weighing just 1lbs 1oz, and was ventilated for the first six weeks of his life.

Over the last 10 weeks Presley has needed around eight blood transfusions, liver scans, heart echo and rain scans, daily bloods and more.

Kylie said: "The team at Arrowe Park neonatal unit are outstanding and have worked hard to keep Presley fighting, he’s overcome sepsis, collapsed lungs. He is now 3lbs 3oz at 10 weeks old. Presley is a true little fighter, our miracle baby and gives us strength each day."

The Leader: Kylie with baby Presley and her children Marley and Harper.Kylie with baby Presley and her children Marley and Harper. (Image: Family photo)

Kylie is now raising funds for Arrowe Park to be able to afford to buy another specially designed neonatal chair. This allows mothers to be able to hold their babies while their breathing is still controlled by a ventilator.

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Kylie has launched a JustGiving page and hopes to raise £2,500 towards funding the new chair. The page can be accessed via https://bit.ly/3TwE4i7.

The Leader: Baby PresleyBaby Presley (Image: Family photo)

"It meant that me and Presley's dad could have cuddles without a nurse standing next to us holding the tubes of his ventilator," she said. "It’s a supported, comfortable chair perfect for much needed skin to skin.

"We never got to hold Presley until he was 16 days old as he was too poorly. When we did we wanted to hold him everyday but sometimes it isn’t possible as the chairs are being used for other parents as everyone deserves their skin to skin. That's why we're looking to fund another for them."

Kylie added: "Presley is now preparing to be moved to Chester Hospital in the next 2/3 weeks. He's gaining weight, he’s started crying for the first time this week, he wriggles about to get himself comfy and is doing really well."