Sunday was World Prematurity Day, and we’ve been looking back in our archives on premature births in the county. 

April was born ten weeks early after mum Lisa had medical complications during pregnancyApril was born ten weeks early after mum Lisa had medical complications during pregnancy (Image: Stuart Walker)
In September 2016, we brought you the story of April Jackson preparing to celebrate her first birthday. Described as a “miracle”, she was born on October 24 the previous year - just over two months before her December 29 due date - weighing just 2lb 5oz.

Members of the Seaton Knit and Knat group made items for premature babies at West Cumberland HospitalMembers of the Seaton Knit and Knat group made items for premature babies at West Cumberland Hospital (Image: Tom Kay)
Her mum Lisa was only able to catch a brief glimpse of her newborn daughter before she was taken into intensive care.
But with April having fought against the odds, Lisa, dad Phil and sister Eve were looking forward to marking the milestone. 

Darcy and Joshua were born 23 weeks prematurely Darcy and Joshua were born 23 weeks prematurely (Image: David Hollins)
The family, from Clifton near Penrith, organised a party at the North Lakes Hotel to raise vital funds for Bliss, a charity which aims to ensure that babies born too soon, too small or too sick have the best chance of survival.

Mandy and Adam Marsden from Wigton on their return from hospital with their premature twins, Joshua and DarcyMandy and Adam Marsden from Wigton on their return from hospital with their premature twins, Joshua and Darcy (Image: Newsquest)
“It’s one of those things that you know very little about until you’re in that situation yourself,” said Lisa.
“Pretty much right after April was born, Phil and I decided that we wanted to show our support and thanks to all the staff that were involved.
“When we were on the neonatal ward at the hospital in Middlesbrough, where April was born, we thought ‘We’ve got to do something.’”

Karl and Claire Morris from Wigton held a fun day in aid of the Tiny Lives charity after losing their premature babyKarl and Claire Morris from Wigton held a fun day in aid of the Tiny Lives charity after losing their premature baby (Image: Newsquest)
Phil, a keen sportsman, was looking to secure a place in the London Marathon.
Together, the couple were hoping to raise £2,500 to donate to the neonatal unit at James Cook Hospital as well as the Special Baby Care Unit of Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary, where April spent six weeks.

Miracle baby Amy Kingston, from Carlisle, who was born at 25 weeks, celebrating her 18th birthday (Image: Newsquest)
“April is doing really well now. There haven’t been any further complications,” said Lisa.

Amy Kingston as a tiny babyAmy Kingston as a tiny baby (Image: Newsquest)

Other pictures show Joshua and Darcy Marsden, who were born 23 weeks prematurely but were welcomed home by their parents Mandy and Adam in November 2015, and Amy Kingston, who was born at 25 weeks and was celebrating her 18th birthday.

Gemma Richardson, from Kirkpatrick Fleming, donated more than 10 litres of breast milk to help premature babiesGemma Richardson, from Kirkpatrick Fleming, donated more than 10 litres of breast milk to help premature babies (Image: Newsquest)
The loss of their premature baby Kayden prompted Karl and Claire Morris from Wigton to hold a fun day to raise money for the Tiny Lives charity and members of the Seaton Knit and Knat group made garments for premature babies at West Cumberland Hospital.
Gemma Richardson from Kirkpatrick Fleming donated more than 10 litres, or 100 bottles, of breast milk to help premature babies.