A WOMAN whose son weighed just 1lb 9oz when he was born has thanked hospital staff for saving his life.

Harley Taylor was born at Hull And East Yorkshire Women And Children's Hospital three months early on April 20.

Now, Kim, 37, said Harley, who weighs 8lb 2oz, is going from strength to strength thanks to staff at the hospital.

She said: "If it wasn't for the staff, I don't think my baby would be here.

"They are amazing and it can't be easy looking after poorly babies."

Kim, of Hedon, had to have an emergency Caesarian as she had pre-eclampsia, a condition that occurs during pregnancy and can increase the risk of complications for the mother and baby, including the risk of stillbirth.

Harley was initially fighting for his life and needed help to breathe.

Kim and her husband Lee, 42, could not hold him until he was two weeks old and he also underwent surgery to remove a hernia when he was just two-and-a-half months old.

They spent every day in the neonatal intensive care unit with their son until he was strong enough to come home in July.

Kim said: "I want other mums who are going through this now to have faith in the staff.

"They are so dedicated and without them, Harley wouldn't have survived.

"The unit is fantastic."

Kim, who also has two other children, Paige Taylor, 17, and Chloe Darling, 14, said she is now considering fundraising for the unit to show her appreciation for the care Harley received.

She said she will never forget the moment she saw her son for the first time.

"When I held him for the first time, it was like holding fresh air," said Kim.

"He was so small and when I saw him, I couldn't breathe.

"You don't want to get too attached because you're frightened.

"I had never seen anything so small, but he's so strong now because he was fighting for so long.

"He is absolutely gorgeous.

"He's my miracle."