The proud parents of a little girl who was one of the smallest babies born in Scotland will joyfully wave her off to school for the first time today.
Amy Donoghue faced an immediate battle for survival after she was delivered by emergency Cesarean 12 weeks early when her mother developed life-threatening pre-eclampsia.
The tot earned herself the nickname Mighty Mouse on the ward after she was born weighing just 1lb on September 14, 2007.
She was so small her thigh could fit through a wedding ring and her odds of staying alive were no better than 50/50.
Her parents, Barry and Sue Donoghue, said she has overcome her difficult start and is now a happy, healthy young girl, who will excitedly start at Eastern Primary School in Broughty Ferry today.
Barry said: “The difference between my daughter and the other children starting school today is the battles that she has faced since she was born to get to this stage.
“Due to her size and early arrival, doctors told us although they would do everything they could it would depend on how much fight Amy had in her as to whether she would survive or not.”
But Barry knew from the first time he saw her his little scrapper had the appetite for the struggle ahead.
He said: “She just grabbed my hand and started squeezing. I couldn’t believe she had such strength when she was so tiny.
“Fortunately for us my daughter had so much more fight in her than we could have imagined and after 11 long weeks in the special care baby unit of Ninewells, Amy was well enough to be able to come home.
“We know that without the hard work, dedication and care provided by all the doctors and nurses at Ninewells then our story might not have had such a happy ending.”
The couple are so grateful for the care that saved Amy’s life they have each taken part in fundraising, gathering more than £8,000 for Ninewells and premature baby charity Bliss.
Barry said: “It is not a lot that we have done but we hope it can make even a little difference. If the money goes towards another incubator that keeps another baby alive it will be worth it.”
Amy was even given the middle name Jennifer after the midwife who admitted Sue to hospital. Barry said the couple owe both Sue and Amy’s lives to her care.
The family also agreed to return to the hospital unit after school today so the staff can see Amy in her school uniform.
They admit they will have mixed emotions of happiness and nerves about their little girl starting school this morning.
Barry said: “Starting school is a big milestone for any kid but after what Amy’s been through we just can’t thank the hospital enough.”
Amy, who dreams of being a firefighter, said she was looking forward to meeting new friends and playing at school.
Barry said: “Amy has achieved so much already. I am sure whatever she sets her mind to she’ll do it.”