Brave mum who battled the odds has just days left

A MUM from Accrington was told she wouldn't have children, but defied doctors when she fell pregnant.

- BY LEE GRIMSDITCH AND SUSAN NEWTON

Sadly, she’s now been told she has just days left to live.

Belinda Ainsworth said her daughter, Charlene, 37, known as Charlie by her family and friends, has struggled with her health since she was a child.

The 59-year-old says her daughter was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid and within 12 months became an insulin-dependent diabetic.

By 16, she had managed her condition.

Belinda said: “She was told she would never have children. So it was something she thought was never going to happen.”

Charlie spent her life in and out of hospital to manage her condition, but a new health concern came about in 2016 when she was diagnosed with skin cancer.

Despite her ongoing health problems, she dreamed of becoming a mum.

In 2017, she fell pregnant, but because of her health woes, Charlie booked an appointment to see a kidney specialist.

It was during the appointment that Charlie was given a terrible decision to make.

“He basically turned around and said you need to abort this baby because it’s not going to end well,” Belinda said.

“I said, is my daughter's life in danger? He said not right now, but it will be.

“When we found out, I said, ‘Look, you've got to remember you're my little girl. Even though you're in your 30s, you're still my little girl’

“She said, ‘Mum, I never thought I could have a baby, so I’ve got to try.”