A WOMAN who was given just three weeks to live when she was a baby is celebrating her ‘miracle’ recovery.

Nichola Darlington, from Accrington, was diagnosed with a neuroblastoma tumour when she was just two.

Despite treatment her parents Ellen and Stephen were told to expect the worst.

But Nichola, who is now 35, defied the odds and is now living a full and healthy life working for Eldercare, in Loveclough, Rossendale. She is now hoping to be able to adopt a child.

Nichola has shared her story on the Faces of Ward 84 Facebook in the hope of offering other families support and hope.

The page features patients who have been treated at the Manchester Children's Hospital oncology and hematology ward.

Nichola said: “It really is a miracle. I think it has made me a stronger person. If anything ever goes wrong, I just think I fought it last time, I am going to fight it again and even better this time.”

Nichola, of Devonshire Street, had trouble feeding from being six-weeks-old. After visits to the doctor and the health clinic Ellen was told to feed her mashed bananas to help her put on weight because she was so small.

Ellen said: “Her stomach was very swollen and her arm and legs so skinny. At the age of two-and-a-half she only weighed 17lbs. Eventually a doctor came round to the house to examine her and he found a large lump in her stomach.

“We went to Pendlebury hospital where she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma.”

The consultant could not operate because of the position of the tumour and Nicola underwent radiotherapy at The Christie.

After three weeks doctors told her parents nothing more could be done and to take her home.

“We were devastated to say the least,” said Ellen.

But Nichola’s tumour began to calcify and she was able to have it removed when she was 19.

She said: “Now everything is normal and I am healthy. I cannot have children because of the chemotherapy, I am looking into adoption for next year.

“If my story gives hope and encouragement to just one family, it will all be worth it.”