BETHANY Hudson is a survivor. Born at only 25 weeks she spent the first six months of her life fighting for every breath.Today she is back home in Flowton with parents Mark and Nikki Hudson and their "incredible miracle" means their family is finally complete.

BETHANY Hudson is a survivor. Born at only 25 weeks she spent the first six months of her life fighting for every breath.

Today she is back home in Flowton with parents Mark and Nikki Hudson and their "incredible miracle" means their family is finally complete.

As her tiny hands curl round the fingers of her proud dad he spoke about his daughter's dramatic birth and the pain at not being able to hold her when she was born.

"It all happened so suddenly. On the Thursday Nikki went to the doctors and was fine but by Friday she was complaining of head pain and I rushed her to casualty.

"She had pre-eclampsia and Bethany had to be born very quickly at 25 weeks. It was all very frightening and Nikki was ill for a long time.

"But there was never a day when I didn't think Bethany would make it. She was born fighting and she still is.

"It was a difficult time but luckily I was working in Foxhall Road so I could get to the hospital easily," he said.

When Bethany was born on January 7, weighing just 1lb 2oz, her devoted parents were not even able to hold her because her skin was so fragile.

Today Mark spoke to the Evening Star as she lay nestled on his shoulder – a testament to her own strength and the dedication of the staff who cared for her over those difficult months.

"The nurses were just wonderful and when we left they kept phoning to ask us to bring her in because they missed her.

"Some of them have even offered to baby sit for us," he added.

Bethany, who is the couple's first child, finally came home on last week and Mr Hudson said it is wonderful that she is home in time for Christmas.

"I look back at all that she went through and I know that she is really making up for it now. She is still on oxygen but she has passed all her eye tests and things are looking good for her.

"She still has a long way to go but it is very special to have her home in time for Christmas and I know she will be spoiled rotten."