Brave Little Boy's Incredible Journey

Ethan Palmer-Barber looks and talks like any normal eight year-old but behind his playful exterior lies a remarkable story.  

The schoolboy from Newcastle was born at just 27 weeks and doctors struggled to give his mother Gayle any hope that he would survive more than 24 hours.  

But survive Ethan did and inspired by his incredible journey his mum has decided to run the London Marathon to support staff on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit who saved his life.  

Gayle Palmer, 28, of Millbank Place, wants Ethan's bravery to touch people's hearts to raise money for University Hospital of North Staffordshire.  

Gayle said: "I was only 18 years-old when I found out I was pregnant, my head was full of how fabulous things are going to be. A bouncing healthy baby at the end of nine months, I guess it's what all parents believe. On the 14 December 2000 my world stopped. The hospital found a problem with Ethan's blood supply and there was a chance neither of us would survive. Ethan was born three months early weighing just 1lb 8oz, a little more than a bag of sugar."  

Birth was just the beginning of Ethan's ordeal as he was rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the University Hospital.  

Gayle said: "He was ventilated and I was told that the next 24 hours were critical. I wasn't allowed to see Ethan until he was a day old but when I finally set my eyes on him there was nothing that could have prepared me. He was so tiny, he was covered in bubble wrap and was covered in wires and tubes. I could hardly see his face because of the ventilator, his skin looked like tissue paper. I was amazed that his little body could take everything that was happening. "  

Although the next three years were tough for both mother and baby both have come out stronger.  

Gayle said: "I didn't hold Ethan until nearly Christmas. It was the most magical present that I have ever and will ever receive. He spent a total of 10 weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and came home weighing a little more than 3lbs. A couple of weeks later he had to be readmitted and we discovered a flu virus had caused severe lasting damage to Ethan's lungs. He contracted other chest infections and at times it was doubted that he would pull through. In total Ethan spent just over two years in and out of hospital."  

Gayle has built her life around the little boy she describes as her hero.  

She said: "His determination, strength and perseverance are second to none. On the days when I questioned how I could keep going I would look at Ethan and see how hard he was fighting. I realised that if he could, there was no reason why I couldn't. Ethan has shown me that if you want something, you can achieve it. The battles of children who need the help of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit don't always stop when they leave, but at least they get a chance. I was lost when Ethan was born but the staff were there for me providing guidance, an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on."  

Despite all of Ethan's needs Gayle completed her A-levels, a law degree and now travels 70 miles a day to work in Chester so she can realise her dream of becoming a solicitor in 2012.  

Anyone who wants to support/sponsor Gayle and her husband Anthony can contact Steve Rushton, charitable fund manager, on 01782 554444 or visit www.justgiving.com/gayle-palmer-barber.