PARENTS have launched a new online community group following their own experience of a premature birth.

Paul and Gemma Crossley’s son Oliver was born in Burnley in September 2016 at 29 weeks and two days, weighing just 1kg.

He was admitted to Burnley neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) immediately and had to battle brain bleeds, septicaemia, multiple infections and more in his first four months.

After their tough experiences the Burnley parents have set up an online community 1in10.org.uk to support others who go through similar journeys.

Mr Crossley, 24, said: “I suppose the easy way to describe our experiences when Oliver was in NICU is to say it was like a rollercoaster.

“Some days we would be on top of the world and we understood everything that was happening to him and felt positive about the future.

“Other days we just felt lost and completely out of control of the situation and feeling nothing but uncertainty about what the next day would bring, never mind the future.

“When we were in NICU with Oliver, experiencing some of our darkest days I spent a lot of time searching for answers about what was happening with our son.

“The one thing I could never find was other parents sharing their views of a similar experience.”

Almost two years on Oliver is living with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, managed hydrocephalus and chronic lung disease, but the parents have looked to bring positive change from their experiences.

The 1in10 community is for parents still in NICU with their baby and also for those who have graduated across the country.

The site features a messageboard, created to allow ‘the growth of a community of like-minded parents’.

Since the campaign launched last weekend there have been more than 20 active members on the page.

Mr Crossley has previously raised more than £1,000 for NICU last year by running a 10k.

The front-end web developer is now encouraging more people to come forward and share their experiences with others.

He said: “The aim of 1in10.org.uk is to create a community for parents of premature babies so that they have somewhere to go to share their story and talk to other parents that have had similar experiences.

“The site is very much in it’s infancy at the moment so new sign-ups/stories are crucial at this stage so if anybody does have anything to share about their journey or a loved ones journey then please come and join us.”

The name for the group comes from the face more than one in 10 pregnancies will end in premature birth.

To find out more or share any experiences visit 1in10.org.uk.