A boy from South Derbyshire who was left fighting for life after being born four months premature has now climbed a mountain to celebrate his 10th birthday.
Liam Lyttle, of Brunt Lane, Woodville, was also welcomed back to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire where he was cared for after his very early arrival at 23 weeks.
On his return to the hospital, he was greeted by Rose Ciavucco, the nurse in charge and who helped to look after Liam when he was a baby. They have returned to the hospital to hand over a copy of Liam's story to inspire other parents who find themselves in a similar situation.
The story explains how the Woodville Junior School pupil weighed just 10 and a half ounces when he was born and had problems with his heart, lungs and eyes. Liam was in the University Hospital of North Staffordshire for 16 weeks and had to have seven blood transfusions and suffered a brain hemorrhage, which at one point they thought could lead to cerebral palsy.
Now Liam has climbed Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, with his loved ones top mark his 10th birthday and can proudly say he reached the top of the 1,085-metre peak.
During his visit to the hospital Liam also have a tour of the neonatal intensive care unit where he was treated.
He had completed the mountain challenge earlier this year and raised £2,001 for Bliss, the charity for sick and premature babies, and he has now received a certificate marking his efforts.
Liam's mum, Mandy Bennett, said: "Liam and I went to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, where he was born more than 10 years ago.
"We were welcomed by Rose, the nurse in charge and who helped to look after Liam when he was a baby. Rose gave us a tour of the neonatal intensive care unit.
"I thought it would be a good opportunity to have his photo taken with it while handing Rose a framed copy of Liam's story. It is my first intention that Liam's story will inspire other parents of premature babies.
"Rose said she would display it on the wall of the unit. We had a lovely afternoon and I felt so proud of Liam."
Liam was joined by his family as he headed to Wales to climb the mountain for his birthday. They were met there by Jo Bruce, one of the nurses who went above and beyond for the family in their time of need when Liam was a baby, along with her family.
In preparation for the trip, Mrs Bennett and her husband Simon hired a lodge and invited his parents along so they could all celebrate the milestone birthday together.
