Campaign launched for baby who has given family new hope
A campaign has been launched to raise money for a 'miracle' baby who was born prematurely.
Carley McKee has been through six years of turmoil after her husband was killed by a bomb blast in Afghanistan.
Lance Corporal Stephen McKee, from 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, based near Market Drayton, died in the blast in Afghanistan in 2011.
Tragically just a year earlier Carley and Stephen had lost their baby daughter Keeley at just two days old.
Now Carley, 26, with her new partner Shane Lovatt, has given birth to baby Peyton Dominique Wynn Lovatt at 28 weeks. Peyton is currently in a specialist baby unit and the family are raising money for her care.
Carley's mother Serena Campbell said: "After six years of turmoil and having her life torn apart on two occasions within a year, my daughter has finally found some happiness with a new partner.
"As a family we all found it tough to be positive after what happened to Carley.
"Now there is some hope for Carley and her new partner as she prematurely gave birth to baby Peyton on March 22 weighing 2lb 3oz at just 28 weeks.
"Following a lot of complications, and Carley going into labour on a couple occasions, the hospital decided it was best that baby be born.
"Times are still testing for the family but we all have the feeling of hope on this occasion.
"Baby Peyton is in the John Radcliffe in Oxfordshire and will remain there for three months at the least, the doctors have said, due to all the complications.
"Every day is like a rollercoaster with the positive and negative but baby Peyton is a true fighter and seems to carry the same strengths as her mother when faced with anything she has no control over.
"Carley has moved from Shropshire to Oxfordshire and is looking to remain there after Peyton is discharged from the John Radcliffe due to the follow on after-care that she is going to need which the doctors have advised could take years not months.
"The cost of living in Oxfordshire is high and family are helping wherever they can.
"Carley needs help raising funds for a deposit for accommodation/housing near to the John Radcliffe hospital or if anyone knows of any landlords for private rental could they pass this on.
"The money raised will be used for a deposit, travel to and from hospital in the meantime and getting the home ready for Peyton so she has everything she needs for her after-care.
"Any money not used will be donated to charity.
"I cannot thank everyone enough for the support we have had so far.
"My heart goes out to each and every one for what they have done for us.
"We are so humbled by your generosity and forever grateful."
Carley said: "My life is completely different to how it used to be, I feel like I have my family again.
"I never thought it would be like this though. Being in the hospital every day is exhausting and I can't wait to have her home.
"Peyton has a heart condition called atrial septel defect which they hope will get better on its own by the time she is five.
"She also needs oxygen and currently is on a high flow to keep her lungs open because they are so premature they keep sticking together.
"She has been amazing and is a right fighter.
"My daughter Keeley's birthday is on March 20 and she died on March 21 2010 and Peyton was born March 22, 2016.
"That just amazes me – I never have to dread the month of March again. She is our miracle."
To donate, go to https://crowdfund ing.justgiving.com/Baby-Peyton-Appeal
