Miracle twins make it home for Easter

It means their twins Daniel and Caitlin – born at just 23 weeks, a week before accepted viability – have survived against all the odds.

Now the couple are planning to raise money for a Cerebral Function Monitor (CFM) for the Luton&Dunstable Hospital’s neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU).

“We could buy cakes, chocolates, flowers and cards but it would never be enough,” said Manshead history teacher Thom, 33. “The way the staff, nurses and doctors treated us, our babies and our families was just so special and so personal.

“It was very hard saying goodbye to them, even though it was incredible bringing the twins home.”

Daniel and Caitlin weighed just 2lb 12 oz between them when they arrived in November last year. Thom and Kayleigh were told the chance of both babies making it were less than 10 per cent.

“We were talking about their funeral arrangements before they were even born,” Kayleigh admitted.

The family worker at St Matthew’s Primary in High Town added: “They’ve been through so much in their short lives, so many ups and downs – far more than I’ve experienced in 27 years.

“But now they’re doing everything they should be at this stage – they’re holding your gaze, have good neck control and can bring their hands together.”

Thom has a video record of the tiny twosome, recording their progress every step of the way.

“Every day is a blessing,” he said. “We never thought we’d take them home.”

L&D spokeswoman Sarah Newby said: “It’s very rare for such premature twins to both survive and although their journey hasn’t been easy, they’re both doing really well.

“A CFM is used to continuously monitor and record a baby’s brain activity. It helps clinicians make quicker and better decisions about treatment options. Each machine costs about £14,000.”

> Make a donation at www.justgiving.com/DarbyTwins