A FAMILY whose twin boys were born almost 15 weeks early are backing a national campaign for urgent government action to reduce the number of premature births.

Edmund and Aubrey Holdcroft, from Ramsgate, were given only a 40 per cent chance of survival when they were born weighing just 2lbs each.

The brave boys battled through and are now healthy three-year-olds, but dad Martin Holdcroft said his family had been “very fortunate”.

He said: “Their time in special care was terrifying. Both babies had heart murmurs and at just three days old Aubrey’s lungs began to bleed and we were asked if we wanted him christened.

“We know that things could have turned out so differently.”

Having been through such a traumatic experience, Martin and his partner Julie hope people will support charity Action Medical Research’s call for an independent Premature Birth Inquiry via its website www.standupfortinylives.org.

Up to 25 UK babies die each week due to complications arising from premature birth, yet little is known about why early labour happens, or how to prevent it.

It is hoped an inquiry will lead to the first national research strategy for tackling premature birth.

Mr Holdcroft added: “The medical teams are brilliant at treating these fragile babies, but the reality is that many of them don’t make it.

“We need to know why premature birth happens, so that we can predict it and start reducing the impact on the babies and their families.”

The STAND UP for Tiny Lives Campaign is backed by scientists and medical researchers, the NCT (formerly known as the National Childbirth Trust) and professional bodies including the Neonatal Nurse Association, British Association of Perinatal Medicine, Neonatal Society and the European Pre-term Labour Group.

Dr Rachel Tribe, senior lecturer from the Maternal and Fetal Unit at King’s College, London, said: “Pre-term birth affects thousands of babies and their families every year. The impact on society is immense; babies born early often suffer lifelong health complications.

“We need to do more to help these children and their parents.

“We can all do this by supporting the call by Action Medical Research for an inquiry into premature birth and encourage investment in basic research.”