Mum of 'miracle' baby completes charity walk through Doncaster

Medics at Doncaster Royal Infirmary gave Jessica Weston, of Askern, just a 10 per cent chance of survival after she was born 26 weeks early, weighing only 1lb 12oz.

She had chronic lung disease and required intensive care, remaining in hospital for more than four months, but she remarkably pulled through and is now a healthy nine-year-old.

Her mum Sharon Meads joined a dozen friends and relatives on an 18-mile round walk from their home in Askern on Sunday (March 12) in aid of the charity Bliss, which supports premature and sick babies and their families.

Sharon raised more than £800 after completing the route - which took in Sutton, Burghwallis, Carcroft, Woodlands, York Road, Bentley and Toll Barr - with sponsorship from the other participants set to send the total soaring well over £1,000.

The 30-year-old, who battled depression following Jessica’s birth, was this week nursing her blistered toes but said the could take the pain as it was for such a great cause.

“It was an amazing day and we were very lucky with the weather. I’m so grateful to everyone who took part in the walk,” she said.

“Jessica is a miracle baby and after everything we went through I really wanted to do something for other families with premature babies.”

Sharon, who also has a son, Lewis, aged 11, now hopes to start a social enterprise selling flowers and wristbands and passing on a share of the profits to Bliss.