Cecily is happy ending to blog

ordeal in 2017, neither Vikki nor Jonathan dared to believe they would ever become parents again.

Jonathan said: “Throughout the pregnancy we were both anxious and nervous. We were convinced something would go wrong.

“Even once Cecily arrived safely, I don’t think either of us quite believed it until that moment when we were walking out of the hospital with Cecily in a baby carrier.

“It was the best feeling. We never got to do that with our boys.” Cecily was born at the University Hospital of North Durham, near the couple’s home.

But for her christening, the family will return to Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside, where the boys were born and baptised after Vikki went into labour during a trip to nearby Chester Zoo.

“We can’t think of anything that makes more sense to us,” said civil servant Jonathan.

“Arrowe Park was their home and that’s where we feel closest to them.

“The day after the christening will be their birthday and we’re going to take Cecily to Chester Zoo.

“I never did get to see the penguins the day Vikki went into labour,” Jonathan explains with trademark humour. “This time I’m determined we will.

“I know it will be emotional going back there, but it will be a nice day out with Cecily.”

Their daughter’s name is another reminder of how they coped in the difficult days during Lucas and Alex’s short but unforgettable lives.

Jonathan added: “Hope seemed a very fitting middle name. We always had hope, and now we always will.”

Vikki and Jonathan spent 20 weeks living in the free Ronald McDonald House at Arrowe Park Hospital. To find out more about the charity and to donate visit rmhc.org.uk