Home at last

Courageous Corey Hickman was born with a serious diaphragmatic hernia in May 1997. His stomach was also growing into his chest, crushing his lungs and restricting his breathing.

Against all the odds, the resilient tot battled through five operations despite several occasions when doctors almost turned off his life support system.

"He is a real fighter," said mum Shirley Carmen. "There were times when the doctors said Corey wouldn't make it but he's strong and he's back home at last," she said.

Hours after being born at Warrington Hospital he was transferred to a Manchester hospital for emergency surgery.

Four days later and his condition had deteriorated so badly he had to be rushed by air ambulance to a specialist baby care unit in Leicester.

His condition stabilised and after stays in hospitals in Manchester, Liverpool and Warrington he was eventually allowed home, although he has to spend all day on an oxygen generator.

Dad Ian Hickman said: "We didn't think that he would ever make it here. Even his doctors couldn't believe how he kept bouncing back," he said.

Now the lively youngster is busy making up for lost time with brother Casey and sister Amber.

Shirley added: "He's been absolutely great since arriving home, playing with his toys like a normal little boy.

"Driving home in the car his eyes were wide open with excitement because he's never really seen outside the hospital," she said.

The couple lost their first child, Callum, five days after he was born. He also had breathing difficulties.

Family and friends have rallied round to raise cash to say thanks to two of the hospitals that saved Corey's life.

Regulars at the Brickmakers' Arms and the Manx Arms have raised nearly £500 which will be donated to the baby care units in Warrington and Leicester.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.