BABY Maisie Bibby, the tiny tot saved from certain death by a helicopter mercy dash when she had less than 24 hours to live, is back home in her mother's arms

The six-month-old, born 13 weeks premature, was air-lifted for emergency treatment in Leicester last month after contracting the serious chest complaint bronchiolitis.

Up until now she has only been known as Baby Maisie, after her family requested anonymity.

But they celebrated her return home to Accrington by opening their hearts to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

Maisie underwent revolutionary treatment at the Glenfield Hospital, one of only four centres in the country able to carry out the ECMO oxygen replacement procedure needed to save her life. She was taken in an RAF Sea King helicopter, which landed on the football pitches at Shadsworth Sports Centre after doctors at Queen's Park Hospital realised she would die without specialist help.

Now, after spending 15 days in Glenfield over Christmas, and several days back at Queen's Park, she has been allowed home to Meadow Street, Accrington, with her proud mum, Ruth.

Ruth and Maisie's father, Asaf Hussain, spent eight weeks worrying about their daughter when she was born prematurely, weighing 2lbs and measuring little more than 12 inches.

She contracted the chest complaint, which later developed into pneumonia, six weeks after being allowed out of hospital.

Ruth, 21, explained: "She only coughed once and we rang for the ambulance. She went to Queen's Park and they said she needed 100 per cent oxygen. Then they put her on a ventilator for a week but it didn't seem to do any good."

Eventually paediatrician Dr Chris Fossard said ECMO treatment was Maisie's only hope.

Ruth added: "Within an hour-and-a-half of me agreeing the helicopter came. I later found out she only had 24 hours to live. I can't thank Dr Fossard and the rest of the medical staff for what they have done."

Maisie spent nine days having ECMO treatment and a further five days on a ventilator. Her lungs are still damaged and she has an oxygen machine to help her breathing.

And her big sister, three-year-old Megan, welcomed her back home with a big smile.

A teddy bear from the staff at the ECMO unit is among the sea of cuddly toys sitting in the front room.

Ruth's mother, Catherine, said: "Maisie is a little fighter and she has delighted everyone."

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