EXCLUSIVE

Three little boys who fought for survival together when they were born prematurely will ­support each other on their first day of school.

Twins Reece and Matthew Shadick and Callan Durkin spent three months in incubators at the special care baby unit at Medway Maritime Hospital.

Four years on, they will be side by side once more as they join All Faiths School, in Strood.

Reece and Matthew were born at 26 weeks. Reece weighed 2lb 1oz and Matthew weighed 2lb 6oz. Mum Kerrie and dad Gareth were told there was just a 10% chance of them both surviving.

Callan was born at 32 weeks, weighing 3lb 14oz. All three boys spent three months at the Oliver Fisher unit.

The youngsters are now looking forward to 'big' school. Reece, Matthew and Callan will all be in the same class at the Gun Lane school. Matthew and Callan are both deaf and the school specialises in teaching children with hearing impairments.

Kerrie, of Sedley Close, Cliffe Woods, said: "It is nice to know they will be there together - it takes away a lot of the first day nerves. It is nice for them too because they will know someone else."

The 30-year-old added: "The boys are anxious about starting school, but they are excited too. Every hurdle they overcome is fantastic. Starting school is another hurdle and it is great that they are able to go to a mainstream school.

"Matthew and Reece were only given a 10 per cent chance of survival . We can't thank the staff at Oliver Fisher enough."

Callan's mum Karla, 36, of High Street, Rainham, said: "Callan was touch and go when he was born so for him to be starting school is wonderful.

"He is a typical boy; he loves to do boy things and he is quite a handful, but I'm really proud of him.

"Without the care the nurses gave them at Oliver Fisher he wouldn't be here today."

The families have organised a party to raise money for the Oliver Fisher ward today (Friday), from 5pm at the 44Two Social Club, Featherby Road, Gillingham. It will include children's activities, disco, barbecue and bar. Entry is free.