Scots twins off to school hand-in-hand after overcoming brain bleeds & heart defects 

A MUM told how she cried with joy as her “miracle” twins walked to school hand-in-hand — five years after being born weighing 2lbs with brain bleeds and holes in their hearts.

Zoe Stewart, 46, admitted she got “emotional” seeing her battling daughters Willow and Niamh in their uniforms.

She and partner Paddy Kelly were warned both were unlikely to survive after they arrived 14 weeks early in January 2019 at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital.

The tiny tots fought for life in incubators for nine weeks.

They needed multiple blood transfusions and were hit with potentially deadly infections.

Zoe, from the city, recalled: “We were told to expect that one or both might not make it.

“We prayed for a miracle. Every few hours, an alarm would go off and medics would rush to them. We would fear they were gone.

“It was agony not being able to cuddle them for weeks. We had to put all our trust in the amazing doctors and nurses.”

But Willow and Niamh overcame every illness and setback. Holes in their hearts healed, brain bleeds disappeared, and they were allowed home.

Their mum said: “Every single milestone has felt like a miracle. From lasting one day, to a week, going home, their first birthday. The last five years have flown by.”

And after the girls entered P1 at St Joseph’s Primary in Aberdeen, Zoe added: “Seeing them in their pristine uniforms, holding hands, walking to school for the first time — it’s hard to put the flood of emotion into words.

“I had tissues with me to wipe away the tears of joy and pride.

“To see them so excited about venturing out without us, it was amazing. And at least we’ll have some time for ourselves now.”