LITTLE Luen Venter wasn't supposed to be born until March 31. The miracle baby was born on January 2 - 13 weeks early - weighing just 1lb 7oz. The birth could have killed his mother Nicola.

She and husband Dawid, of Criccieth Close, Tredegar Park, Newport, visit Luen, now weighing 2lb 15oz, every day at the Royal Gwent Hospital's neo-natal unit.

Now Dawid and Nicola are telling their story to encourage people to raise money for the vital facility.

Dawid, 25, a former Natal Sharks rugby star, and Nicola, 28, came to Wales from South Africa five years ago.

She works for a telecommunications company while he is a machinist at a Cardiff factory and plays on the wing for Fleur-de-Lys RFC. He has also played for Newbridge and Cross Keys.

The couple were visiting family in Johannesburg over Christmas when Nicola felt ill, but a doctor said she was fine. They flew back on December 30. Three days later Nicola was rushed to the Royal Gwent suffering from severe pre-eclampsia, which affects about 10 per cent of pregnant women.

Doctors told her that Luen had stopped growing three weeks before and performed an emergency Caesarean.

Nicola said: "I blamed myself: I thought my body wasn't good enough to carry a baby.

"I don't drink, I don't smoke and I have done everything any doctor has ever told me to look after myself. It was just one of those things." Dawid was asked, if the worst came to the worst, who would he rather the doctors saved: his unborn child or his wife of three years.

He said: "It was dreadful. I didn't want to lose my wife and I didn't want to lose the baby."

Nicola said: "I decided they would deliver Luen and whatever happened to me happened."

After the Caesarean Luen was immediately put into an incubator. He was smaller than his dad's hand.

After 20 minutes Dawid was told he could touch Luen but he waited a week. "I was scared I was going to hurt him or break him," he said. Nicola spent ten days in hospital and it's unlikely she can have more children.

Meanwhile Luen makes daily progress but it will be a while before his parents know if there are any long- term effects of his premature birth. He is expected to remain in hospital until at least March 31 while he gains weight and his condition improves.

Nicola said: "He's done incredibly well. We've been very lucky and are eternally grateful. If it wasn't for the doctors and nurses Luen wouldn't be here."

Now she is raising funds for the unit. If you would like to donate, call the hospital on 01633 234234.