Max, the one in a million baby born against all the odds, facing new battle

Willenhall couple Paul and Vicki Bamforth were thrilled at the arrival of Maximilian at Walsall Manor Hospital on Thursday, May 19.

Remarkably, Vicki, 31, became pregnant naturally even though she has two uteruses and polycystic ovaries and was told she would need IVF treatment.

But now the tot, who weighed just three pounds and 10 ounces after being delivered by caesarean, has been diagnosed with Truncus Arteriosus which affects one in 10,000.

His parents, both teachers, have gone through a rollercoaster of emotions in the last few days but are now focusing on staying strong for the health battle ahead.

Paul said: "This was a really big shock and we just couldn't take it in at first.

"We'd gone from feeling on top of the world to feeling sick with worry.

"Max's heart should have two tubes, one for oxygenated blood, one for deoxygenated blood, but he only has one tube.

"He will need surgery when he weighs 2kg, and other operations after that."

Maximilian's operation will be at Birmingham Children's Hospital but the couple have asked for their son to remain at the Manor Hospital having being impressed with his care in Walsall.

Vicki said: "He's a little fighter anyway because he's here against the odds so we're going to stay positive and take each day as it comes.

"We trust the staff here, we feel safe and comfortable with them, they have been absolutely brilliant.

"Why would we want to go anywhere else?

"We're also fortunate that we have such a specialised hospital so close by when the time comes for Max to have his operation."

Paul added: "The neonatal nurses must see thousands of babies but they remember your name and they talk to you so reassuringly.

"They take the time to explain everything properly which is so important when you've had the sort of shock we had."