Ref. 26029-65PROUD parents Adrian and Helen Iles are today celebrating a double dose of happiness after the birth of their second child.

The couple, who before the birth of Samuel exactly a year ago today, had been trying to conceive for more than 10 years with no joy.

But now they are toasting the arrival of Bethany Joy Mayreen, who was born at 10.25am at Swindon's Great Western Hospital nearly two weeks ago.

Just like her brother, Bethany's arrival was anything but simple. Born 35 days premature and weighing just 5lbs 8oz, her weight deteriorated rapidly and she was placed in intensive care in the hospital's special care baby unit immediately after her birth.

After a traumatic 72-hours in which doctors admitted it was touch and go whether she survived, Bethany was given the all clear and is now at home.

But for Adrian and Helen it was another remarkable story of perseverance against the odds and the second miracle in the space of a year.

Helen, 28, has suffered an ectopic pregnancy where the baby grows in the fallopian tube and two miscarriages. She was pregnant with a baby suffering from severe spina bifida and his condition was so advanced he was terminated after 13-weeks.

Doctors said Adrian and Helen would never have a baby together but along came Samuel who is today a healthy child celebrating his first birthday.

Helen said: "Bethany was born in exactly the same way as Samuel. My placenta had stuck to the uterine wall and it was touch and go for a while. She was 35-days early and doctors had to conduct a caesarean birth.

"When I went for a scan I was really scared, but when the nurse said there were two little legs it was a good job I was lying down or I think I would have fallen over.

"After Samuel was born we said we wouldn't have anymore children, but this is absolutely fantastic. We've now got two lovely little children."

The couple, who live in Alpine Close, Ramleaze, are now planning to marry in Gretna Green next year.

Swindon Town fanatic and HGV driver Adrian, 38, was in Scotland when he found out Helen was pregnant. He said: "The journey back south was the best drive of my life.

"Samuel loves Bethany to bits it's like she has always been there. We've already had a family photo on the County Ground pitch and I'm hoping Sam will be the next super striker at the club."