BABY Delaney Cassidy has been hailed a miracle by doctors after surviving three open heart surgeries.

Born with various heart defects and numerous physical disabilities, she was given just a 15 per cent chance of surviving the major operations – but Delaney continues to fight bravely in hospital almost two months after birth.

While still in the womb, Delaney was diagnosed with exomphalos, where the internal organs develop inside the umbilical cord rather than the abdomen. She was born with heart defects and her right ear and right arm and nose had not developed fully.

Just a few weeks after she was born, she required not one, but three, open heart surgeries and her mother Cassa Cassidy and father David Grabham, of Hexham, were told it would be unlikely she would survive. Yet, Delaney has made remarkable progress and has since been transferred from Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital to the intensive care unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Delaney’s grandmother Sharon Cassidy said: “The doctors can’t understand how she has survived, but she has fought against everything.

“She has taken every barrier in her stride and just smashed it!

“She really is a miracle considering she only had a 15 per cent of surviving, and hopefully her fight will give hope to other parents in this situation.”

Before Delaney can leave hospital to join her parents and two-year-old sister LiviniaLily, the family require specialist equipment for their home.

The family have set up a fund-raising page at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/louise-wilson-895 and an event will take place at St Peter’s Working Men’s Club, in Byker, on Friday evening.

They have already received donations from members of the public, although much more is needed due to the equipment being so expensive.

The support from the people of Hexham has really touched the family, particularly parishioners at St Mary’s Church who have had Delaney in their prayers.

Sharon said: “We’re not Bible bashers but Cassa’s faith has been really important to her during this, and we are so grateful to people who have been praying and supporting Delaney. We would like to thank all the people and businesses in Hexham who have been so kind.”