PARENTS across East Lancashire will be saddened to hear of the plight of baby Faith Cook.

The premature infant is on life support because she cannot breathe for herself.

Medics believe she contracted toxoplasmosis in the womb.

The rare condition is contracted from either raw meat or cat faeces and is caused by a parasite that gets into the bloodstream.

In the UK, approximately 2,000 women a year get the condition while they are pregnant.

The effect on the baby depends on how early it is caught. The earlier it happens, the worse it is for the child. Faith’s mum is now warning others to take extra care to avoid their heartbreak.

Helen Benson says that if she has to lose her baby to save others, it is a price worth paying.

Dr Tom Smith, Lancashire Telegraph medical expert, has advised expectant mothers to be careful around cat and dog dirt and make sure they clean their hands if they come into contact with it.

Our children are the most precious things in the world and anything that can be done to keep them from harm is a good thing.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Faith and her family.