A YOUNGSTER who made medical history by being operated on during birth is today celebrating an important milestone.

Little Jaydon Vasey was given only a five per cent chance of being born alive because of a windpipe blockage discovered while he was still in the womb. His lungs were also failing to develop properly and he had a hole in his heart.

His parents, Joanne Vasey and Darren Raper, from Hartlepool, were advised to consider an abortion, but decided he should be given a chance to live.

Never has their faith been vindicated more than today, as they celebrate the baby's first birthday.

His mum, Joanne, 18, said: "Both Darren and I are so pleased this day is here. At the beginning we never thought we would see it, but now he is just like any other little boy. We are always having to keep an eye on him. He is into everything and anything."

Surgeons, led by Professor Stephen Robson, inserted a tube into Jaydon's windpipe to enable him to breathe, and then performed the delicate task of unblocking his windpipe, so he could be born alive.

They carried out the operation while Jaydon was still attached to Joanne's placenta and still receiving oxygen from his mother.

Jaydon spent the first five and a half months of his life in hospital undergoing treatment and having heart surgery, which has been declared successful.

He went home with his parents in February, and since then only has to go to hospital once every four months so doctors can keep an eye on the tube in his windpipe, which he may have until he is three or four years old.

Proud dad, Darren, 22, said: "He is doing champion and is very well within himself. We could not ask for more.

"We thought we would never see today so it is very emotional, but we are over the moon."

Jaydon will continue his birthday celebrations with a small group of friends at home tomorrow