Baby Freebies

TODDLER Chloe Bartlett has finally returned home after a catalogue of mishaps left her and her parents out in the cold. The 14-month-old is thought to be the youngest person in the UK to suffer with a rare neurological condition called myasthenia gravis. Chloe, brother Mitchell, three, and parents Rachel Whitty and Simon Bartlett were forced to leave their Welcombe Avenue home in November after heating at the house broke down, putting Chloe’s life in danger.

Mum Rachel immediately applied for a heating grant but was told Chloe did not qualify for one because she was not the homeowner. Rachel and Simon were finally awarded a partial grant and heating was installed. But disaster struck again just a month later when the family’s washing machine broke down flooding the kitchen.

But now the family is finally back home. “We are so relieved,” said Rachel. “As if we hadn’t been through enough with Chloe’s illness, to not be able to live in your own home was unbearable.” Five months on bubbly Chloe is a far cry from the sickly child first featured in the news last year.

In November Chloe was so poorly she struggled to blink, swallow, move her limbs and even draw breath. In her short life the 14-month-old has stopped breathing three times and is constantly prone to colds and infections meaning the slightest illness could kill her. “She does need round-the-clock care,” said Rachel.

“I don’t mean the same care all babies need – I mean I can’t leave the house without someone else with me. “Our lives revolve around her medicine times and hospital appointments, but it’s just part of our life now. “She’s my miracle baby and I am glad to have her here at 14 months.

“The doctors have never seen anyone as young as Chloe with myasthenia gravis so the future is unpredictable. “We were told the first milestone was her first birthday and we got there. “Now we have to see her through to five.

“I hope she will grow up to have a happy and fulfilled life but right now we must take one step at a time and deal with the everyday challenges we’re faced with.” Chloe’s personality is already shining through as the child that could barely move a few months ago took three steps last weekend.

Proud nan Yvonne Whitty said: “Obviously walking is something every baby has to master but for Chloe to go from being unable to move at all to standing up and walking is amazing. “We thought she would be more of a slow developer when it came to mobility but she refuses to let her limitations stop her completely.”