A FATHER whose miracle twins beat the odds of surviving after being born 16 weeks early has praised staff at Arrowe Park Hospital for the role they played in their recovery.
Gareth Jones said he has had a turbulent year after partner Carly gave birth to little Amelia and Gethin, who were born at just 24 weeks, on July 8 last year at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
Amelia weighed just 1lb 6oz and Gethin only 1lb 5oz.
Both were small enough to fit in Gareth’s palm.
Dad Gareth at home with twins Amelia and Gethin in November
The family was transferred to Arrowe Park Hospital where Gareth and Carly were given a room at on-site Ronald McDonald House, which provides 'home away from home' accommodation to families with seriously-ill children being treated at the hospital, for four months.
It meant Gareth was just seconds away from the twins and enabled the devoted dad to be constantly at their bedside throughout the night.
Amelia and Gethin (pictured, above) are now happy and healthy and Gareth is looking forward to spending his first Father’s Day at home with his inspirational daughter and son.
He said: "Amelia and Gethin are thought to be the youngest surviving twins in 2015 and doctors at the hospital said that being close by to the twins was equally as important as the scientific procedures in ensuring the little fighters made it.
"After a rollercoaster of a year, Amelia and Gethin are now happy and healthy babies and Gareth is looking forward to spending his first Father's Day at home with my inspirational daughter and son."
Below: Gethin at birth
Amelia at birth
Jacqui Morgan, neonatal matron at Wirral Women and Children's Hospital, said: "We are very proud of the care we provide for tiny babies such as the twins, Amelia and Gethin, who were born at just 24 weeks.
"The medical care we provide and all the support we offer for parents are essential in helping families with premature babies through their journey.
"We are able to provide the highest level of neonatal intensive care services for parents across Wirral, the North West and North Wales.
"Having Ronald McDonald House located on our Arrowe Park site really helps those families by providing a home from home environment right next door to our neonatal unit.
"It really is great news that both Amelia and Gethin are doing so well and I'm delighted that they are celebrating this milestone on Father's Day at home with their mum and dad."
Kathryn Whitehead, acting house manager at Ronald McDonald House said: "Gareth and Carly stayed in one of our seven rooms just above the neo-natal ward for around four months when little Gethin and Amelia were born prematurely.
"It was a hellish time for them both but we're proud that families like theirs can find some respite away from the ward, form friendships with other parents in our communal kitchen and, most importantly, feel supported.
"It is just incredible that the twins are now happy and healthy babies, and we wish the whole family a wonderful Father's Day together at home in Wales."
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