Baby Charlie White has defied the odds to survive a long list of medical problems.
The tiny tot was born weighing less than a bag of sugar and has defeated death on several occasions.
Even now, at three months old, he tips the scales at just 5lb 7oz - less than an average new-born baby.
When Charlie was born 14 weeks early in Basildon Hospital he weighed just 1lb 10oz. But his early arrival was just the first of many hurdles tiny Charlie faced in his first few weeks. He shouldn't even have been born until last Monday.
Mum Ashley White, of Plumleys, Pitsea, said: "At first he was covered with drips and drains.
"When he was eight days old, his lung collapsed. They told me he would not make it through the night.
"Then, when he was three weeks old, he was rushed to a hospital in London. He had a bowel problem, which is associated with premature babies.
"He got blood poisoning from that and was on a life support machine for six weeks."
Now Charlie has been given a clean bill of health and allowed to go home to his three brothers, aged seven, five and 16 months.
Mrs White says: "They are very excited. The house is going to be fitted out with oxygen for him, but otherwise he'll be fine.
"He now weighs 5lb 7oz and looks a bit smaller than a newborn baby. People do not believe me when I tell them that he is three months old.
Charlie will not be allowed out for a while - his immune system is still not fit to fight everything in the outside world.
"It's going to be a struggle," admits his mum.
Neo-natal intensive care unit sister Ann Hurley, said: "We are delighted Charlie will be going home.
"A paediatric team will support him at home and his progress will be reviewed on a regular basis."
Hello baby - Ashley welcomes Charlie home
Picture:NICK ANSELL
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