Baby born weighing 11oz celebrates first birthday

A baby kept in a sandwich bag after being born weighing just 11oz (328g) has celebrated her first birthday.

Tiny Robyn, who was born five months early and needs round-the-clock care, has spent her whole life in hospital.

Her parents Chantelle, 34, and Daniel, 38, from Malpas, Newport, described their daughter as a "tiny warrior".

They are fundraising for further treatment and equipment through their Robyn's Rainbow campaign.

"Celebrating Robyn's first birthday was a milestone at times we thought we would never reach," said Chantelle.

"However, the staff at Noah's Ark Children's Hospital (in Cardiff) made the day extra special.

"We were able to spend the day in a separate cubicle and enjoy some privacy while family and friends visited.

"The cubicle was decorated with banners and balloons, it looked amazing."

Daniel added: "Robyn was really spoiled with lots of lovely gifts and messages.

"We are so proud of her and what she's overcome this year is truly amazing."

Robyn spent the first eight months of her life at the Grange Hospital in Cwmbran, Torfaen, before being transferred to University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

She is currently on the Paediatric Critical Care Unit of Noah's Ark Children's Hospital.

After being born extremely prematurely at 23 weeks and two days, the tiny baby fitted in the palm of a hand.

Tubes were used to keep Robyn alive and she was placed in a sandwich bag to keep her vital organs warm while she grew.

Relying on a ventilator to breathe, she faced another fight for her life when she developed sepsis.

She had 16 blood transfusions. Again, she survived.

Now at a healthier weight of 7kg, Robyn has been diagnosed with numerous conditions including hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and severe apnoea.

Daniel and Chantelle, who are in hospital accommodation near their daughter, said she is "heading in the right direction" to finally being allowed home.

"Looking back to when she was born we never could have imagined she would still be in hospital a year later," said Chantelle.

"Spending a whole year in hospital has been challenging for us as parents. The last year has had many ups and downs but Robyn has made lots of progress.

"We are fundraising for Robyn's future through her Robyn's Rainbow Facebook and Instagram pages, as she will need many treatments, therapies and equipment to help her development and give her the best quality of life.

"These therapies come at a large cost and many she will need are not available on the NHS."