New chapter for little Daisy-Mae

And now the story of premature baby Daisy-Mae Little is being turned into a book in a bid to give hope and support to other families.

'Little Daisy-Mae – The Girl Who Couldn't Wait' is firefighter Wayne Little's emotional and heartfelt account of his daughter's first few months of life after coming into the world three-and-a-half months early.

He and wife Jennie faced an anxious few weeks as Daisy-Mae, who weighed a tiny 1lb 13oz, received specialist neo-natal care.

But six months on and Daisy-Mae is going from strength to strength, gaining weight well and developing every day.

Wayne, aged 42, took to Facebook to share Daisy-Mae's story, with the page attracting more than 15,000 followers.

His blog, coupled with a diary he has written to his daughter, is now being turned into a book, due for release on September 13 to coincide with Daisy-Mae's christening.

Wayne, of Brierley Hill, said: "If I'm honest, it wasn't my idea to do the book but a lot of people who read the blog on Facebook said it had touched a nerve with them or helped them, and some people suggested it would make a good book.

"I began to hear quite a few real life stories from people saying that what I had written was helping others or resonated with the people."

Wayne and his solicitor wife Jennie, aged 35, were then approached by someone in the publishing industry, with the idea of telling Daisy's story in a book.

The couple agreed and a combination of Wayne's blog and his personal letters to Daisy – entitled Dear Daisy-Mae, Letters from Your Dad – is now being turned into a book.

The couple hope the book will provide comfort and support to other families who are faced with a premature baby.

"I just hope the book can help or bring a bit of positivity into anyone else's life who finds themselves in the same or similar position," said Wayne, who works for West Midlands Fire Service.

"There were certain days when we didn't even know if she would get through and it was very hard.

"But if our story and experience brings some comfort and hope to even one family in a similar position, then I will be happy.

"People have already said on Facebook that Daisy's story has touched or affected them."

Wayne, who is also father to Olivia, said he hopes a copy of the book could be made available in hospital neo natal units and has already been made aware of midwives and hospital staff being pointed in the direction of his Facebook page to get an insight into the feelings of a parent coping with a severely premature baby.

It will also be, he says, a lasting legacy for Daisy-Mae and the family in generations to come.

"When Daisy is older it will be interesting for her to read about what we all went through and to see what she has gone through to have her place in this world," he said.

"Hopefully Daisy will go on to have a family of her own and her children and grandchildren will be able to read about what she went through and all the angels and doctors at the hospitals who helped her."

But Wayne admits writing about his experiences has also helped him, while wife Jennie will also give an insight Daisy-Mae's battle.

"There were times when I felt a bit helpless because I couldn't really do anything.

"I'm someone who likes to be doing something and I found writing about it added some structure to my days.

"I just felt I needed to write it down and write about how I was feeling.

"And we got so much love and support from people, which really helped us."

As for Daisy, she now weighs more than 9lbs and doctors say they are pleased with her progress.

"She's doing amazingly well and is now grabbing things and she's really got her own little character," said Wayne. "She's such a happy little baby.

"Whenever I put updates on a Facebook, we still get lots of comments but it is pictures of Daisy that always get the most reaction.

"I always say I can't take any credit – it is all down to Daisy and how cute she is."

The book, being published Solpreneur Publishing, can now be pre-ordered at www.oodlebooks.com/daisy-mae

A pound from every order will go to Wayne and Jennie's choice of charities.

They have already raised more than £20,000 as a thank you to the nurses of Dudley's Russells Hall Hospital where Daisy-Mae was born and Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital, where she was cared for.