A TODDLER born with a life-threatening heart condition has celebrated his first birthday.

Brave Dylan Valentine from Salisbury Street, Shotton was born 11 weeks premature and spent two months in intensive care with a catalogue of complications.

Now Dylan, who is 90 per cent deaf, is marking the special occasion with proud parents Brian, 35, and Nicola, 30.

Brian said: “He came out with a heart murmur and a brain bleed and had to be ventilated for five weeks because he couldn’t breathe on his own,.

“He is doing fine and has just had a new hearing aid. He is absolutely bouncing.

His favourite thing to do is jump off the couch and play in his ball pen.”

Last week the Leader reported that Mold toddler Elisabeth Down was also celebrating her first birthday after a premature birth and a brush with death.

Elisabeth and Dylan were both treated at the Special Care Baby Unit at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

Brian, who works at Lindop Toyota in Wrexham, said: “Our son was in the same intensive care unit as Elisabeth at the same time so we know the family well.

“The staff did everything they could for Dylan. Without them we wouldn’t be celebrating his birthday.”

Brian is organising a fundraiser for the charity Cherish Wrecsam who supported the couple through their ordeal.

He said: “We are organising a black tie event at Rossett Hall which will include a three-course dinner, live music an an auction.

“It’s going to be a big night. We’re hoping to raise around £3,000.

“Cherish part-fund three rooms next door to the unit so the families can stay close to their children.

“They also offer travel expenses for low-income families and can give you lots of advice. We cannot thank them enough.”

Also in the pipeline is a supermarket bag packing event, sponsored swim around the Albert Dock in Liverpool by Brian’s colleague Steve Knowles.

The black tie event is on Friday, October 22. For tickets email ncvalentine@btinternet.com.