WHEN little Melissa McHugo was born three months prematurely by Caesarian section and weighing in at just under three pounds, doctors at Warrington Hospital could give her only a 10 per cent chance of survival.

And her battle for life took another turn for the worse shortly afterwards when she stopped breathing and then was plagued with serious medical problems including collapsed lungs, septicaemia, and jaundice in those vital first few weeks of life.

But the wonder tot, who now tips the scales at a much-healthier 17 lbs, defied all the odds and this week she celebrated her first birthday at a special family party with delighted parents Paul and Sandra, brother Jamie (16) and six-year-old sister Amy.

Thrilled mum Sandra of The Parchments, Newton-le-Willows, told the Star: "The doctors are extremely pleased with Melissa's progress and although any first birthday is bound to be a special occasion, this one is extra-special for us.

"We have been told that it will probably take a couple of years for Melissa to 'catch up' fully but we are just over the moon that she is here with us to celebrate her first birthday."

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