Ashington wonder twins defy the odds

Posted by The Journal on Sep 30, 09 11:54 AM in News

Twins Brooke and Summer are fighting fit after a rocky start to life.

The pair from Ashington were given just a 7% chance of survival and have undergone more than nine life-saving operations between them after being born at just 24 weeks.

Brooke and Summer Dodds

Born four months premature and weighing 1lb 6oz each, mum Kyley Dodds was warned her babies would probably not pull through.

But now, as they prepare for their second birthday, the little fighters are celebrating life.

Today Kyley, who lives on Hindmarsh Drive, Ashington, said: "In 2007 I found out I was having a twin pregnancy and my partner and I could not have been happier.

"At 23 weeks though I was sitting at work with pains in my back and I went to go get checked out at the doctor.

"An hour or two later I started to bleed and went back to the hospital to find out I was dilating.

"I can't believe the two of them are still here after being given a 7% chance of survival, but they are little fighters."

Since birth, Summer has had five operations, including heart surgery, a hernia operation and a tracheotomy procedure to help her breathe.

But her hospital ordeal is far from over with doctors saying she will need several more operations in her young life.

It's thought she will keep the tracheotomy in for a number of years.

Her sister, Brooke, has had treatment on her eyes and also went under the knife to have a hernia operation.

But for proud parents Kyley and Christopher Porter, 26, who both work in customer services, the fact their babies have fought through is a triumph in itself.

Kyley said: "It was so hard when I was told they were not going to survive, so we are just over the moon now. It's just so amazing because we didn't expect that they would be here.

"I never got my hopes up because I never thought they would make it. It just makes me so proud that they pulled through.

"They are just normal little girls now, but they are totally different. Summer is a real girl's girl whereas Brooke is more of a little tomboy.

"They give each other little kisses and cuddles, but they also have the odd fight and hair-pulling spats.

"My family are just so amazed. There isn't a moment that the girls aren't surrounded by an aunt, or a grandma."

We'd like to hear from you.
Send your stories, pics and videos to northumberland@ncjmedia.co.uk