A MIRACLE baby girl is all set to defy doctors' predictions and celebrate her first birthday at home in Hereford after overcoming a catalogue of illnesses that threatened her life.

When Millie Smith was born at the County Hospital last New Year's Eve four months premature and with spina bifida, doctors said she had less than a 30% chance of survival.

However, the 1lb 2oz baby came through a relentless series of operations and will be the undoubted star of the evening when her parents hold tomorrow's (Friday) special birthday party at their Redhill home.

Proud dad Andy Smith admitted that at times he thought Millie would not have a birthday party owing to the severity of her condition.

"This year has been one thing after another. Millie has been through more in her life than I have in mine - and I'm 34," he explained.

Infection

"Time and time again it looked like we might lose her, but she kept coming through."

Millie was rushed to Cardiff University Hospital five hours after her mother Joanne brought her into the world.

She defied the odds in Wales to make slow progress before, two months later, an infection turned her skin purple and left her body extremely bloated.

Specialists gave Millie 24 hours to live but she survive.

But Andy and Joanne could still not afford to relax because, while Millie recovered from an operation on her spine, she became infected with MRSA.

Again, Millie survived.

With renewed strength, Millie returned to Hereford's County Hospital in the spring.

The sixth-month-old was finally allowed to return home when fluid that had leaked on to her brain at birth was found to have subsided.

Andy said: "It was a relief to bring her home and she seems to be getting better now.

"Although she is still a bit small for her age, her oxygen levels are improving and she looks like a normal, happy baby with her eyes following you around the room."

He added that only time would tell what sort of life Millie would eventually lead.

"There could still be something wrong with her brain that we don't know about at the moment," he said.

"But after what she has been through, it is a miracle she's here at all."