BABY Elias should have been welcomed into the world today. Instead, he made a surprise appearance 12 weeks early weighing just 2lb 7oz and measuring just 14in.

Tiny Elias spent seven weeks fighting for his life in the Oliver Fisher special care baby unit at Chatham's Medway Maritime Hospital. His parents, Shane Goldup and Claudia Camilleri, said they had been through every parent's nightmare as their little boy battled bravely.

Just three weeks after he was born, on November 13, he had to be resuscitated after being struck down with a mystery illness. The ordeal continued as, at 10 weeks old, he was rushed to Lewisham Hospital in London with a hernia and last week he was diagnosed with bronchiolitis.

But the family were determined to celebrate in style today as Elias, now a healthy 6lb 4oz, is well on the road to recovery at his home at Fairview Close, Rochester. Miss Camilleri said: "One minute you're giving birth, the next you think he's not going to make it. It was touch and go. We owe our son's life to the NHS.

"It's been an absolute living nightmare and an emotional time for all of us. Having him at home with us is like a dream come true. Today will be a special day as it's like his second birthday."