Surviving sextuplets 'still critical'

28 May 2010, 08:17 | Updated: 28 May 2010, 08:20

A fortnight after they were born early in Oxford, Heart's been told the five surviving sextuplets are still 'critical but stable'.

Two boys and four girls were born to Andy and Vicky Lamb, who are both 31 and from Oxfordshire, on Friday 14 May 2010 at the city's John Radcliffe Hospital (pictured).  One of the boys died on Friday 21 May, aged 7 days.

The birth weights of all six babies ranged from 1lb 5oz (590g) to 1lb 15oz (885g).  The five remaining babies are being monitored at the centre's neonatal intensive care unit.

Mrs Lamb fell pregnant after taking the same fertility drug she used before the pregnancy of her first child, Gracie, now aged five.

Mr Clifford said: "They are just incredibly grateful for the John Radcliffe Hospital, the doctors and the nurses."

According to the Multiple Births Foundation charity, the last surviving set of sextuplets in Britain were born in 1993.

The latest set were delivered by a large team of doctors and nurses following several weeks of planning.

Kenny McCormick, consultant neonatologist at the John Radcliffe Hospital said: "Babies that are born this early need a lot of specialist care. They are receiving round-the-clock intensive care and specialist nursing at the moment and their condition is constantly monitored."

You can leave a message of support for the family using the form below.

I was so sad to hear that one of your little boys had died. But with each day that passes, there must be more hope for the other babies. Are they beginning to put on even a gramme or two in weight? As I was told when teaching less able chilrdren, steps forward, however small all add up.  So don't be afraid to look forward to the day when you can cuddle them and feel they are truly yours.
Anne Coward