Mason Stevens is a happy, healthy little boy, but it could have been a very different story if it was not for the quick-thinking of midwife Debbie Newman.

After a long and traumatic 26-hour labour at Medway Maritime Hospital, Mason was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck and he was not breathing.

Debbie was able to quickly untangle Mason, press the emergency button and begin resuscitation. Mason did not take his first breath until nine minutes after he was born.

After 20 minutes he was stable enough to be moved to intensive care.

His mum Sarah Dean, 23, said: “Nine minutes is a long time and the only reason Mason hasn’t got any brain damage is because Debbie managed to get oxygen into him. She saved his life.

“Every doctor or nurse I have seen since then has said Mason is only alive because of Debbie.”

Sarah and partner Kevin Stevens, 28, were so grateful to Debbie for the care she gave Mason, now 17 months, they nominated her for a hospital Wow award which give patients the opportunity to say thank you and recognise staff who have gone above and beyond their normal duties.

Debbie was then put forward for the national Wow awards and came away from the gala ceremony with the Wow! That’s Really Special trophy.

The judges said Debbie, who has worked at Medway Maritime since 1985, was “a very special person who has an impact way beyond her day to day role”.

One judge said they felt inspired by Debbie’s attitude and humbling approach.

Sarah, of Iris Drive, Sittingbourne, said: “We can never thank Debbie enough.

"It wasn’t just what she did during labour, it was afterwards as well.

“She stayed after her shift to make sure Mason and I were okay.

“Then every day for the next week she would arrive for her shift early and finish late to check on us.

“Debbie helped our family through the most traumatic time. She made a terrifying experience a lot easier.

“We didn’t just receive excellent service, we received love and care beyond all measures.

“Debbie till keeps in touch and came to Mason’s first birthday party, it is lovely that she has got that bond with him.”