A TEENAGER who was born weighing just 2lb 4oz has defied the odds to celebrate her 16th birthday this week - a milestone that her parents were told she might never reach.

Lauren Skull was left fighting for her life in the Special Care Baby Unit at the former Princess Margaret Hospital back on February 23, 2001 after being born at just 28 weeks.

Her parents Louise, now 37, and Rob, 42, faced an agonising six-and-a-half-week wait at her bedside before she was allowed home, weighing just 4lb 5oz.

But Lauren is celebrating her 16th birthday today, much to the delight of her mum.

“When Lauren was born, her head was the size of an apple but we are so proud of the girl we have,” Louise said.

“We look at her now and think of how she has turned from such a fragile little thing to such a strong character who is an inspiration with her dancing ability - a gorgeous young lady.

“The doctors said when she was born it was very touch and go because she was so small.

“When we look back at pictures of her, it is quite sad to see how tiny she was but also it makes us happy to see that we made it through as a family.”

Louise was rushed to hospital when she was just 28 weeks pregnant after a routine check-up with her midwife revealed she had preeclampsia, a condition brought on when the body has an allergic reaction to pregnancy.

If it hadn’t been caught so quickly then it could have proved fatal. Lauren, who stopped growing after 26 weeks, was also born with two blood clots but thankfully she has not suffered with any long-lasting health complications.

Instead, the Lydiard Park Academy pupil has turned into a talented dancer and now has aspirations of becoming a dance teacher after securing a place at the Judith Hockaday School Of Dance And Drama.

“Even when she was little, she always used to dance around the house and it is something she’s always been interested in,” Louise said.

“In her spare time she practices so that she can be the best she can be. “The fact she had no problems is amazing because the doctors didn’t know what was going to happen.

“The milestone birthdays are really important to us because I think how lucky Lauren was to have made it through without any complications.

“I don’t think Lauren realises how small she was when she was first born but she was determined all those years ago to fight through it and I think that is why she is so strong willed today to succeed with her dancing.”

Lauren, who has three siblings - Poppy, two, Grace, nine and Bailey, 11, - went to London last week with her mother as a pre-birthday treat to watch Wicked, one of her favourite musicals.

And one day Louise hopes her daughter will be able to perform to such a big audience.

The family, who live in Freshbrook, will be celebrating Lauren’s birthday with a meal on Friday as Lauren will be in dance classes for the majority of her birthday.