Death of battling mum Janet, 58

Janet Dalby, who at 17 had a baby despite knowing that she could die in pregnancy, has died at the age of 58.  Janet Dalby, who at 17 had a baby despite knowing that she could die in pregnancy, has died at the age of 58. Janet, of Bearwood, a Friedreich's ataxia sufferer, was told that having a baby could kill he and she and husband, Graham, were faced with an agonising decision – go ahead with the pregnancy and risk both lives or agree to a termination and sterilization. The traumatic situation made headlines all around the world in the 60s. Friedreich's ataxia is a progressive disease that damages the nervous system and Janet was told that her heart could not take the strain of giving birth. The Express & Star reported the story of the girl willing to risk her life for her baby and the story won the hearts of the nation. The birth of Paul Richard in June 1967 was reported internationally. Read the full story in the Express & Star.