Against the odds – premature twins defeat 80% chance of death

Anais and Harlie at birth

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Meet Anais and Harlie, the severely premature twins who were given only a 20% chance of life by medical experts exactly one year ago. Today, (Thursday 11 February), the tough pair are celebrating their first birthday against incredible odds, as their family are told that the worry is finally over.

Special celebrations have been organised for the little boy and girl from Dicken Green, not just to celebrate the first year of life, but to rejoice in making it though what their grandmother describes as a “terrifyingly dangerous” year.

Nan Bridget Houlihan Croney told Rochdale Online News that doctors’ hopes were not high when the babies were born 25 weeks prematurely.

She said: “It was hell for us all. Imagine being told that there is a 20% chance of surviving, we were living in constant fear. It is a very special day today, to be able to celebrate this birthday with them. Everyone knows that the worst part is over and now we are just looking forward to bringing up two happy little children.”

Mum Magenta Knight said that although the main worry is over, the consequences of such an early birth are evident. She said: “As a mum, it has been a very, very hard year. First thinking we were going to lose them and then dealing with their illnesses.

“They have been on oxygen all year and they still need it now, their lungs were very weak. They were actually diagnosed with chronic lung disease. They are often out of breath and they still struggle. But we are still here today and they are getting better.

“We got them a little cake and we are celebrating. Nothing big, but it is still a very important day. We are just glad to have them.”

Anais and Harlie were born just one week after the legal time limit of 24 weeks for abortion in the UK, which Nan Bridget says is “proof” that the law should be reviewed. She added: “These babies were 25 weeks but they were all there, moving and crying with fingers and toes. To think that the law allows abortions at around that time is criminal. These babies are living proof that the law should be reviewed.”