Born more than four months premature, Charlee weighed little more than a tub of margarine

Born on the very edge of survival, Charlee Ellul defied odds to become one of the nation’s most preterm babies to survive.

One of Australia’s most preterm babies ever to survive will take a special walk on Sunday.

Charlee Ellul was born at Adelaide’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital on the very edge of survival at just 23 weeks gestation weighing 560g – a tad more than a tub of margarine.

At more than four months premature tiny Charlee had undeveloped lungs, gossamer thin skin and a fierce will to live.

Alexandra with her 16 mouth old daughter Charlee Ellul at home in Salisbury Heights. Picture: Emma Brasier

Charlee was born at 23 weeks weighing 560g, and is now 16 months. Pictures supplied by family.

Parents Alexandra and Joshua of Salisbury Heights were shocked when at 22 weeks and four days Alexandra felt strange pressure which turned out to be bulging membranes.

“They told us our baby could be born at any moment – but that life wasn’t considered viable in Australia until 23 weeks gestation,” Mrs Ellul, 27, a teacher, said.

“We were told to prepare for the worst.

“I spent the next three days on strict bedrest, and then my waters slowly leaked, and Charlee was right down in my cervix. To our surprise she was born pink and squirming.”

Charlee was born on June 1, 2022 and spent 119 days in hospital, fighting for survival while her parents faced challenges from carparking to Mr Ellul, 27, needing to return to work as a gas fitter.

Charlee was born at 23 weeks weighing 560g, and is now 16 months. Pictures supplied by family.

Charlee with her parents’ wedding rings on her arm. Pictures supplied by family.

“I spent most of the day with Charlee, coming home to make sure our dog was okay and returning to the hospital with Joshua in the evenings,” Mrs Ellul said.

“Due to Covid restrictions, we were the only people allowed to visit Charlee, meaning I was sitting by her in the hospital, all day, alone. It was very isolating, but we appreciated the fact she was safe from any germs visitors could potentially bring in.

Parents Alexandra and Joshua Ellul with baby Charlee in the WCH. Pictures supplied by family.

Alexandra with baby Charlee. Pictures supplied by family.

“We were super lucky to have an incredible support system outside of the hospital.”

Now aged 16 months, Charlee’s family is rallying relatives and friends for “Charlee’s Army” to walk in the fund raising and awareness Walk for Prems on Sunday.

Now in its fourteenth year, Walk for Prems is the largest fundraiser for the Life’s Little Treasures Foundation – Australia’s foremost charity dedicated to supporting the families of babies born sick or before 37 weeks gestation.

Walk for Prems has raised $3.8m and this year hopes to raise $500,000 for families in need, providing practical support through items such as fuel, accommodation food vouchers, breakfast boxes during their hospital stay and emotional support by hosting in-hospital morning teas and the online NICU Connections parent support groups. See walkforprems.org.au.

“Charlee is doing really well," Mrs Ellul said. “Our tiny queen just makes her own rules.

“She is still on a little bit of oxygen but is achieving her milestones and loves her food. She truly is our little miracle baby, and a real fighter — I am going to be in trouble when she is a teenager.”

Baby Charlee is hitting her milestones. Pictures supplied by family.

Liesl Garrett with son Harrison who was born prematurely. Picture: Supplied by family.

Liesl Garrett and Angus Fisken are another family walking after son Harrison was born at the WCH at 29 weeks and three days

“As a mum I struggled with self-blame for what happened, wondering if I could have done something differently to prevent his early arrival,” Ms Garrett of Lyndoch said.

Liesl Garrett and Angus Fisken with son Harrison.

“I found comfort and support in the online group of Life’s Little Treasures Foundation, where I learned I was not alone and many other parents had gone through similar experiences.”

Elora de Bondi is Australia’s smallest surviving prem. She was born at the Royal Women’s Hospital Melbourne in January 2007, at 24 weeks and weighed only 319g.