THE mother of a baby girl who suffered serious health problems has spoken of her gratitude for the support they have been given.

Sarah Collier had no reason to worry about her daughter Emily following a straightforward pregnancy and caesarean until doctors at York Hospital became concerned she did not warm up after her birth.

Emily was immediately taken into the special care baby unit where she had several tests and x-rays which revealed that her left lung had collapsed and her right lung was also in a critical condition. She continued to deteriorate developing further complications with her blood pressure and seizures.

She was transferred to the neo-natal intensive care unit at the Leeds General Infirmary.

Sarah, of Wigginton, said: "Pete, my husband, travelled with Emily to Leeds and spent the first night on the intensive care unit in a relative’s room and I followed the next day as soon as I could.

"I was able to stay on the post-natal ward for one night but Pete had to return to York in order to look after our older daughter Isabel.

"By this stage we had no idea how long we would be in Leeds for or what we would do about caring for Isabel while supporting Emily."

The family said a turning point came for them when one of the nurses soon told them about The Sick Children's Trust and Eckersley House,which provided a room for the family and "truly lived up to the phrase ‘Home from Home’".

As their daughter slowly improved they were minutes from her room and given invaluable support.

Six months on and the Colliers have just celebrated Emily’s christening and have raised £750 for The Sick Children’s Trust by asking that instead of gifts we would like donations made to Eckersley House.

Sarah said: " A day doesn't go by when we don't thank our lucky stars for Emily. It could have been a very different story without her transfer to Leeds General Infirmary for treatment and we always reflect on how The Sick Children’s Trust helped make a difference to us in the most difficult situation imaginable."