New baby for fire tragedy family

Kobie was born last Thursday

A couple who lost three children in a house fire are celebrating the birth of another child after the mother had a sterilisation operation reversed.

Judith and Darren Braine lost three of their children in a fire at their home in Widdrington, Northumberland, in March 2001.

Mrs Braine, 32, was desperate to have another child but was refused a sterilisation reversal operation on the NHS because her youngest son, Lewis, survived the fire.

But after hospital consultant Michael Burke heard of their situation, he reversed Mrs Braine's sterilisation for free.

She gave birth to a boy, Kobie, last week.

The only regret is that the other three children are not here to see it

Darren Braine

The family was hit by tragedy when a fire swept through their home in Widdrington, near Ashington, killing Leah, six, Darren, five and three-year-old Demi

Mrs Braine escaped with her youngest son, now aged four, as her husband battled in vain to save their other children.

The couple had wanted to have another child to grow up alongside surviving Lewis but were unable to because Mrs Braine had previously been sterilised.

But Mr Burke offered to carry out the operation for free at the private BUPA Hospital, in Washington, Tyne and Wear, with a £1,000 donation made by an anonymous donor towards the cost.

Mixed emotions

Within months of the reverse Mrs Braine fell pregnant and last week gave birth to son Kobie, who was born at Wansbeck Hospital, in Ashington, Northumberland, weighing 6lb 4ozs.

Mrs Braine, who now lives in Lynemouth, Northumberland, said: "We couldn't see Lewis without a little brother or sister.

"I'm overwhelmed by it all really.

"I'm happy and sad at the same time as you can see all of the other children in little Kobie.

"I can see their features and their characters in him."

Mr Braine, 33, added: "We would like to thank everyone that has made this possible and the only regret is that the other three children are not here to see it."