Scotland’s “youngest” coronavirus patient who was diagnosed with the deadly virus at just three weeks old will turn one next week.
Little Peyton Maguire is all smiles following her rocky start, having been born eight weeks premature at University Hospital Wishaw.
The newborn was being cared for in an incubator in Wishaw’s neonatal unit when parents Tracy and AJ Maguire were told the alarming news that she had tested positive for Covid.
However, the youngster will be turning one on March 26 with Tracy and AJ reporting their “wee diva” is thriving.
“She’s full of energy and we’re delighted how good her health has been since she left hospital and how well she’s doing with her developmental milestones,” said Tracy, 28.
“She’s started toddling about with the help of a walker and she said her first proper word the other day – ‘Daddy’, of course!
“She drives us daft by listening to the Baby Shark song all the time so she’s getting a Baby Shark toy for her birthday.
“One of my grans named her ‘the rainbow baby’ because of the joy she brought to us during lockdown and she’s given Peyton a lovely rainbow dress as a birthday gift.”
During the difficult early days, Tracy quarantined at the hospital to be near to her daughter.
News of Peyton’s situation also spread rapidly across the globe, reaching outlets in Australia and New York.
“We’ve been in so many papers, magazines and TV shows,” said Tracy.
“The most worthwhile thing her story has led us to do was taking part in the virtual Scottish Neonatal Nurses Group Annual Conference, where I shared my experience with NHS staff.
“I have so much respect for healthcare workers and I’m so grateful staff at Wishaw put their own lives at risk to care for my baby.
“My message to any mums-to-be is that they shouldn’t be worried about going into hospital to give birth because the staff know exactly what they need to do to protect everyone from the virus.”
Proud dad AJ, 29, a personal trainer and boxing coach, added: “I’m the luckiest dad and husband in the world to see my family so healthy and happy.”
NHS Lanarkshire chief midwife Cheryl Clark said: “Happy birthday to Peyton when it comes.
“We’re delighted to see she is doing so well and has come such a long way since she was a tiny, vulnerable baby in our incubator.
“That’s a tribute to the quality of care provided by all my colleagues who looked after Peyton and her mum.”
