CHRISTMAS MIRACLE
Baby doomed to die a year ago is home for first family Xmas
A BABY girl who fought back from the brink of death has spent her first Christmas at home.
Honey-Rose Clark was born a year ago with a heart defect and sent to a hospice. But surgeons saved her. Mum Kayley said: “She’s my little miracle.”
LAST Christmas, Kayley Newbold and Gary Clark tenderly clutched their tiny baby’s hand in a hospice, after being told they would have her for only a matter of hours.
But the poorly tot, given no chance of survival by doctors due to a serious heart defect, produced an incredible fightback that stunned everyone.
And so this Christmas, the family celebrated the moment they never thought they would see as they opened presents with little Honey-Rose Clark on her first Noel at home.
Delighted mum-of-four Kayley, 31, said: “It’s magical. I’m over the moon.
EMOTIONAL
“Honey-Rose really is my little Christmas miracle. It has been so lovely spending Christmas Day with her as it was unthinkable this time last year.
“I didn’t think we would have her with us this year. I’m so happy but I feel really emotional. I cried a lot, happy tears too.
“It’s been really hectic but we have had a really fun day. I could not ask for more and Honey-Rose has loved playing with her new toys.”
Security guard Gary, 34, added: “We never thought this day would come.” While still in the womb, Honey-Rose was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome – where the organ does not develop properly and is unable to pump blood sufficiently.
After her birth on December 19, doctors warned Kayley and Gary their daughter would survive only a few hours and any operation to fix the problem was too risky.
Kayley said: “I knew she was really poorly and was told when she was born she would be blue and gasping for air.
“But she came out pink and looking healthy. I got a quick cuddle and they took her away for a heart scan and we were told it wasn’t good, and to enjoy the time we had.” But two days later, after she had been taken to a hospice near their home in Grimsby, Lincs, the couple realised Honey-Rose was desperately fighting to stay alive.
Kayley said: “She was still alive four days later even though we were told she wouldn’t survive the night. Gary said, ‘Why don’t we get a second opinion?’”
The determined couple begged medics to give the baby another chance and they agreed.
She was taken to Leeds General Infirmary on Christmas Eve for open heart surgery that lasted eight hours. Kayley, who had left their other children, Maci, 12, Charlie, eight, and Alfie, six, with their gran, added: “It was awful. It seemed to go on for ever.” The operation was a success. But her parents have been warned Honey-Rose may not reach adulthood as she also has atrial isomerism – abnormal atria – and pulmonary atresia, meaning the pulmonary valve did not form properly. Kayley said: “She’s doing amazingly. She had surgery in September but she’s such a happy baby. We were told she won’t walk and she won’t go to school, but she’s already started walking. “I think Honey-Rose is a great example to parents that you should never give up. “I have nearly given up but found the strength to ask for a second opinion and I am so glad I did.” Gary added: “When we look at her she’s so beautiful and we are just trying to enjoy her. We will take each day as it comes now. “We are looking forward to settling down into family life.”