A mum says she is "eternally grateful" to hospital staff who delivered her miracle baby against the odds.

Patheepa Kingsly, from Ramsgate, was warned by medics in London that her tot would "be like a vegetable", with experts recommending they terminate the pregnancy.

But Patheepa, who had previously gone through 12 years of fertility treatment without success, was determined to give her daughter, Amala, a chance at life.

Scans revealed little Amala had hydrocephalus, or fluid on her brain - but after consulting with Dr Aylur Rajasri at Margate's QEQM hospital, it was agreed the birth would go ahead.

“When we told Dr Aylur Rajasri we wanted to continue with the pregnancy, she couldn’t have been more supportive," Patheepa said.

“It would have been impossible without her. She explained everything so clearly, setting out the issues we could face and what we could do.

“The whole team were so helpful and we could not have coped without them. They knew Amala might have significant health issues but they respected our decision and did everything they could to support us and give her the chance to live. We are eternally grateful to them.”

Amala was due to be born by caesarean section in London at the end of June in 2019, but after Patheepa’s waters broke on June 2 she was delivered by the team at the QEQM.

She was immediately transferred to King's College London, where she spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit and had four different operations on her brain.

Patheepa said: “I was just happy she was alive. Anything else was a bonus."

After more than a decade of trying to have baby, Patheepa had given up on her dreams of becoming a mum.

But after joining local church Divine Retreat Centre Ramsgate, where members and priests prayed for her to have a child, she was stunned to discover she was expecting her daughter.

“We believe the Holy Spirit led us, otherwise we cannot explain it," said Patheepa.

"It was part of a plan. I strongly believe all the doctors here are sent from God to bring Amala in such a way.

“She is doing so well – doctors have said that it’s amazing how much she can do when they look at her brain scan.

“They said she would be like a vegetable, but she can communicate, she is happy and active, and she is so strong.”

Although Amala, now three, has a tube directly into her stomach for milk, she eats pureed food and is able to sit without support, and stand with support. She is due to start nursery in a few months.

"The whole team were so helpful and we could not have coped without them..."

Patheepa, her husband Sebastian and Amala visited Dr Rajasri’s clinic at the QEQM on Thursday to say thank you in person.

“It was a real privilege to support the family, along with my team, during such a difficult time for them, and to make a difference to their care," Dr Rajasri said.

“This is why I do my job. It’s a huge pleasure to hear that Amala is thriving. She has a huge character and is clearly a cherished member of the extended family."