MIRACLE baby Ashtyn Thompson proved he’s a fighter as he defied the odds of survival on two occasions.

Born prematurely at 23 weeks and weighing just 1lb 7ozs, surgeons informed parents Kevin (36) and Philippa Thompson (34), of Henshaw, near Bardon Mill, that babies born so early very rarely survived.

Ashtyn fought through the initial few weeks in intensive care and his parents were gearing up to bring him home just a matter of weeks ago – but the baby was rushed back into intensive care after falling ill following two hernia operations.

However, Ashtyn continued to defy the odds and was recently welcomed home to join his older brothers Theo (7) and twins Rohan and Parker (2).

After close to five months fearing the worst while Ashtyn remained fighting for his life in Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), Mr and Mrs Thompson are now able to look to the future for the first time.

Mrs Thompson said: “He is a miracle child, and a total fighter.

“The surgeons kept telling us how poorly he was and that children born so early don’t usually survive so long, so we worried every day we may lose him.

“Being in the hospital full time and away from the boys and Kevin was the most awful thing, so coming home with Ashtyn was just the best feeling ever.”

Mrs Thompson was taken to the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, in Cramlington, around a week before Ashtyn’s birth with a water infection.

Doctors believed she had contracted the life-threatening infection sepsis, and there were serious concerns for both mother and baby.

Mrs Thompson was transferred to RVI where she gave birth on April 23.

While Ashtyn was deemed well enough to be at home, he requires constant medical attention, has eight different medications to take during the day and relies on 24-hour access to an oxygen tube.

But the family said they were thrilled to have him home, where he belongs.

Mr Thompson said: “The boys really love him, and are wanting to hold him and kiss him all the time.

“It’s great to have Ashtyn home.”