A mum has thanked the “one in a million” doctor who saved her life when she suffered serious complications while giving birth to her son.

Amy Akhurst almost died when she had to have an emergency hysterectomy and lost more than 10 litres of blood.

The 32-year-old was diagnosed with a serious condition during her fifth pregnancy called placenta accreta – when the placenta becomes embedded too deeply in the uterus wall – putting her life at risk.

Mum-of-five Amy had to have a caesarean 10 weeks before her due date, carried out by Medway Maritime’s Dr Ranjit Akolekar.

She said: “I knew the risks involved, I knew the worse outcome was I could die.

“My only wish was that Dr Akolekar carried out the risky C-section. I asked him to make sure I got through it, as I’d convinced myself I’d die.”

Baby Noah was born on April 29 last year, weighing just 3lb 5.5oz.

It was planned Amy would undergo a hysterectomy six weeks later when the placenta would be removed.

But not long after being admitted to a specialist ward, she felt unwell.

Amy said: “I was rushed into theatre and the last thing I remember was the mask being placed on my face.

“What unfolded after that was literally a race to save my life.

“I lost 10.6 litres of blood, had to have 18 units put back and an emergency hysterectomy.

“I woke up the next day in intensive care, a tube in my throat, absolutely terrified but alive. Dr Akolekar saved my life.

“Over the next few days he was there whenever I needed him.

“He later told me how close I came [to dying]. He said he put the last stitch in, crossed his fingers and prayed he would be keeping his promise.”

Noah is now a happy and healthy toddler, who is doted on by his older siblings.

And Amy, of Ostend Court, Kemsley, has nominated Dr Akolekar for a Pride in Medway Award.

She said: “Without him I wouldn’t be here, I wouldn’t get to see my children grow up.

“No amount of thank-yous will ever be enough to show him how grateful I am to him.

“He is one in a million.”

The closing dates for nominations for the Pride in Medway awards is this Friday.

You can do this by visiting www.pridein.co.uk.