'Miracle baby' to celebrate birthday

Freya is celebrating her birthday at home with her sister

A little girl who was given a one in 50,000 chance of survival is about to celebrate her first birthday.

Doctors in Leicester say they cannot believe baby Freya Stafford survived after her twin died in an ectopic pregnancy.

Freya's mother Emma Stafford, from Nuneaton in Warwickshire, almost died herself from the condition, which occurs when the foetus develops outside the womb, usually in the fallopian tube.

She lost the baby and was told her pregnancy was over.

'Dead chuffed'

Eventually she was sent to Leicester General Hospital for suspected kidney problems.

Doctors discovered she was 18 weeks pregnant with the surviving twin.

Freya was born in November 2002 at 7 lbs 4 ounces.

"When she did come along, she was very healthy and we were dead chuffed," father Dave Stafford said.

The family, who also have an older daughter Jade, say they are looking forward to celebrating Christmas with their miracle baby.