THIS little boy was born just 24 weeks into his mum's pregnancy and was not expected to survive.
Thirteen months on, Ethan Smith is continuing to fight – and is defying all the odds.
He is one of more than 600 babies born prematurely – before 37 weeks – in North East Lincolnshire in the last three years.
Early births carry many risks, including neurological impairment and disability, and the earlier they are born, the greater that risk is.
Ethan weighed just 1lb 8oz when he was born and despite living on constant medication and fighting numerous conditions, he is still battling on.
In March 2011, his mum Sarah Lamb, 29, discovered she was pregnant and was given a due date of December 16.
But during a night shift at her former workplace, Daniels Group, on Grimsby's Europarc, she began getting pains.
The 29-year-old recalls feeling as though labour had begun, but did not think it was possible at such an early stage.
Back at home in Cleethorpes, the pains continued, so Sarah called the hospital. Staff suspected it was a water infection but asked her to go in for an examination. She was already three centimetres dilated.
Still trying to come to terms with it all, she said: "Staff on the maternity ward kept my legs upright.
"I was hooked to a drip and had a steroid injection which I was told would help develop my son's lungs as they would not be fully-formed.
"I do not think I spoke throughout the whole delivery I was in so much shock.
"I was in labour for nine hours before giving birth on August 31, 16 weeks earlier than planned.
"I was told that there was a high chance Ethan would not survive and he was rushed to Sheffield Children's Hospital straight away.
"I am delighted he is still with me today and has kept fighting all the way.
"He suffers from various medical conditions, some which doctors have not yet found an answer for.
"I love him more and more each day. He is my son and as long as he carries on fighting, I will too.
"I would love to get in touch with other parents who have gone through a similar situation.
"It will be nice to share experiences so I do not feel totally alone, although the support from my family and friends has been outstanding."
To get in touch with Sarah, contact the Grimsby Telegraph's health reporter, Katie Blackburn, on 01472 360360 or katie.blackburn@gsmg.co.uk
