Sepsis survivor mum who had surprise baby thanks hospital staff

Lisa Davey with nurse Danielle McLardie and 10-month-old Danielle

A mother who only found out she was pregnant when she nearly died of sepsis has returned to hospital to thank the nurse who saved her and her daughter.

Lisa Davey, 27, went to Blackpool Victoria Hospital with a suspected abdominal infection in April but doctors found a rare blood disorder.

An ultrasound also revealed she was 26 weeks pregnant and surgeons operated when Ms Davey's organs failed.

Baby Danielle was born 14 weeks premature after a Caesarean section.

Ms Davey revisited the hospital to thank nurse Danielle McLardie, who first cared for her and was the inspiration for her daughter's name.

Baby Danielle was born 14 weeks early after doctors had to operate to save her and her mother

The catering assistant only discovered how ill she had been and that she was now a new mother when she woke up in her hospital bed.

She said: "I couldn't believe it.

"I had no clue I was pregnant. I had no symptoms.

"When I met my baby girl a week later, I knew I had to call her Danielle after the fantastic care I received from such a wonderful nurse."

Ms Davey had been working in Crowborough, East Sussex but was taken ill when she visited her parents in Blackpool.

Tests revealed she had developed Hellp syndrome, a rare liver blood clotting disorder that can affect pregnant women. This then led to sepsis and organ failure.

Danielle McLardie said she was "overwhelmed" baby Danielle was named after her

Ms McLardie, 33, said: "Lisa was so poorly, we didn't know her or the baby would make it.

"Nobody had a clue when she came in that Lisa was pregnant - including Lisa herself."

She added: "When Lisa told me the baby's name, I cried I was so overwhelmed."

Baby Danielle was transferred to the Neonatal Unit at Royal Preston Hospital for specialist care and is now living with her mother in Blackpool.