REBECCA and Gary Seaman feared they had lost their only hope of a child together when Danielle died soon after her birth.

Their baby was born shortly after midnight on September 4 last year, but she was pronounced dead 20 minutes later. Her death was caused by a lack of oxygen during labour.

The couple thought of her as their little miracle after months of trying for a baby without success.

Grief turned to anger after an investigation at Maidstone Hospital revealed procedures that could have saved their baby’s life were not followed. The hospital accepted full liability for their daughter’s death.

The scars left by Mrs Seaman’s seven-hour labour ordeal in the hospital’s maternity ward that evening left the couple wondering if they would be given a second chance.

But seven months on, life is finally on the up for the couple who are expecting their second child in October.

They are now preparing themselves for the emotional trauma of redecorating the nursery room, which has been left untouched since it was prepared ready to welcome Danielle home.

Mrs Seaman, 29, of Mill Hall, Aylesford said: "When we lost Danielle we thought that would be it because of the complications I had giving birth. I was just about to go to the hospital to see the consultant to see what our options were when I found out I was pregnant again.

"Now we are getting a second chance. After the year we’ve had its been a real lift for everyone. We’re completely overjoyed."

The couple, meanwhile, have rejected an initial £10,000 compensation offer from lawyers acting for the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust which has admitted medical negligence. An improved out-of-court settlement is being sought.

Despite the continuing legal wrangles, Mr and Mrs Seaman have decided to keep their faith with the maternity unit at Maidstone Hospital. Mrs Seaman is being cared for by the same consultant who led the investigation into the events leading to Danielle’s death.

Mrs Seaman said: "It does and will bring a lot of memories back being back at Maidstone but if they know what they did wrong and they know how I feel it will be easier to go back to where it happened."