A baby boy who spent almost his entire life in hospital has finally returned home in time for Christmas after defying the odds. Bertie Melly, born prematurely at 24 weeks in May 2024 weighing just 1lb 10oz, was diagnosed with necrotising enterocolitis, a life-threatening bowel condition. He underwent five major operations and spent 547 days in hospital before being discharged in November.
Bertie's parents, Phoebe and Callum Melly from Bromley, described their son as a "remarkable little human being". Mr Melly, 37, said Bertie is the "happiest child you will ever meet", despite having scars from numerous cannulas and abdominal surgery. Mrs Melly, 34, attributed his strength to the care from staff at St Thomas' Hospital and Evelina London Children's Hospital.
Since coming home, Bertie is "thriving" and close to walking, according to his mother. He still requires tube feeding and an IV line due to short gut syndrome after losing 70% of his small intestine. The family hopes he can eventually have the IV line removed and increase solid food intake.
Mr Melly said the hospital stay already feels like a "distant memory", and the family have enjoyed taking Bertie to see Father Christmas, though he was more interested in decorations. Mrs Melly recalled taking each day as it came during Bertie's treatment, focusing on one problem at a time.
