Doncaster father retrains as paramedic after daughter's care experience

Carl Birks left behind his job as a car salesman to retrain as a paramedic

A father whose baby was given a 5% chance to live has begun training to become a paramedic after being inspired by the care she received.

Carl Birks started a paramedic science degree course at the University of Bradford in September, leaving behind his old career as a car salesman.

His daughter Felicity was diagnosed with the rare condition hydrops fetalis after she was born prematurely in 2019.

Mr Birks, a dad-of-four from Doncaster, said he was "really enjoying" studying.

"I want to make people feel a tiny bit better, as that support got me through it," the 34-year-old said.

"I want to be that person for someone else. It's not just about the immediate patient they have to look after."

His wife, who currently works as a healthcare assistant at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, is also planning to study for a nursing degree once her husband completes his studies in 2027.

Carl Birks is training to be a paramedic at the University of Bradford

Four-year-old Felicity was born three months early and spent the first 116 days of her life in hospital, but has since made a full recovery.

Mr Binks said he and his wife's youngest child was now a "Disney Princess-obsessed little girl".

"She is so sassy and bossy, she is your typical four-year-old girl," he said.

The cause of her condition, which causes large amounts of fluid build-up in a baby's tissues and organs, remained "a mystery", Mr Birks added.

He said he was enjoying his training in Bradford despite the long commute from his home in Doncaster and had no regrets about giving up his previous job.

"Before any of this happened I never thought I could do this as a job," he said.

"As soon as I did it I thought 'This is me, this is what I want to do'."

Nina Roberts, a paramedic science lecturer at the University of Bradford, said: "Carl's story is an inspiration to us all."