The babies born at 22 weeks and surviving in Hull neonatal unit

The unit’s staff have involved him with Elliot’s care as much as possible, he says.

“The emotional stress has been tiring, but I’ve been involved, supporting mum, supporting Elliot. Walking the dog, doing the washing, doing the shopping.”

“You feel comfortable that [Elliot’s] in safe hands.

“Here he is six weeks later, growing and looking healthy. He’s definitely fighting. All the babies on here are fighting.”

Since the NICU expanded, it is increasingly looking after premature and sick babies born at hospitals in Grimsby and Scunthorpe, who need high levels of neonatal care.

Historically, the babies would have been sent to Sheffield Children’s Hospital, a three-hour round trip from Grimsby, so the change is a big benefit to parents living in northern Lincolnshire.

They include Mabel, who is returning to the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, in Grimsby, after 101 days in the Hull NICU.

She was born at 22 weeks and five days, so she still has another three weeks to wait until her original due date.