SURGEONS decided not to take any chances with Caroline Cleaver's unborn baby.

"They were concerned about foetal distress, his heart rate was dropping and they decided to operate," said Mrs Cleaver, who lives in Stockton.

After an emergency Caesarean section, Matthew was born at the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, three weeks early but still weighing a respectable 6lb 9oz.

Unfortunately, the operation did not go according to plan and complications developed.

"I was in hospital for a week and then they decided to send me home," recalls Mrs Cleaver, who works as a senior sister in the hospital's neo-natal unit.

Three days later, Mrs Cleaver, 29, suffered a massive haemorrhage.

Thankfully, her husband, Jason, and mother, Jean, were with her and within a few minutes an ambulance arrived to take her back to hospital.

"It was a nightmare, not something you would like to go through again," said Mrs Cleaver.

Surgeons fought to save her life, using 15 units of blood and six units of frozen plasma during emergency surgery.

"I think it was touch and go for a while. I don't remember anything because I was in theatre for a long time and then in intensive treatment unit for 24 hours," she said.

Thanks to the skill of the surgical and nursing teams, Mrs Cleaver has made a full recovery and is now enjoying being with her precious first born son.

"Without the people who gave blood I wouldn't be here, it is simple as that," she said.

"The time I have had with my son is really precious. He is eight months old now and is almost sitting up. He is a real treasure," she added.

Mrs Cleaver strongly endorsed The Northern Echo's Lifeblood Appeal.

"It's a great idea. I hope lots of people come forward and give blood," she said.