Mum defies odds to have children after transplant

Georgina Ingall, 21, of Franklin Street, Lancaster, defied medical odds to have Bobby in February 2015 and Evelette four months ago with her husband, Luke.

Bobby has been on a ventilator since he was born but now doctors at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital say he can come home next month with a portable ventilator, meaning the family can be reunited at home for the first time.

Georgina said: “We are waiting for a care package so we can bring him home.

“His lungs have to be strong enough. When he can go on a portable ventilator he will be fit for discharge from hospital.

“We have stayed there in the ICU and the NICU and have had to travel to Manchester a lot. It was hard at first but it is life for us and we don’t know any different.”

Georgina is all too familiar with hospitals after undergoing a heart transplant at the age of 15. She wasn’t expected to survive until adulthood or to be able to have children.

However, Bobby was born early at 27 weeks, weighing 2lbs 3oz. Georgina said: “I was told by the consultants that I would never have children but it is possible.

“Bobby was ventilated to help him breathe because his lungs weren’t developed enough.

“He has a tracheostomy (breathing tube) and he is still on a ventilator.

“I love being a mum because it’s what I’ve always wanted.

“It will be nice when he comes home because I want to be left to feel like I can be a mum.”

Georgina has now helped organise a family fun day to thank the hospital by raising funds for a helipad. It will be held on Friday, August 26 at The Cumberland View in Morecambe, starting from 1pm.