EIGHTEEN years ago Bethany Sweetman weighed in at less than two pounds as a ‘miracle baby’ who defied the odds to survive.
Yesterday she came of age and is now working towards a career in the health service which nursed her in hospital for almost three months until she weighed four pounds - heavy enough to be allowed home.
In the intervening years Bethany, a former Kirk Balk Academy pupil, has had her own health problems but is now on a college course which she hopes will lead to a nursing career.
This weekend she will be enjoying a joint party with her dad Jim, who is also celebrating his 75th birthday.
Bethany hit the Chronicle headlines after her remarkable survival in 1999 and has been featured at other landmarks in her life.
Her mum Susan said: “She has a character and a half. She never had any infections, breathing problems or anything after she was born. She was an absolute star.”
Because of her low weight she spent 87 days in the special care baby unit at Barnsley Hospital and, said Susan, had toys bigger than she was.
At that time the family lived at Eaden Crescent but have since moved to Rockley Avenue in Birdwell.
Bethany attends Dearne Valley College where she is working on qualifications she hopes will guide her into a career in nursing.
Read more in this weeks Barnsley Chronicle
