Claire Aspinall, 35, of Millbank Court, Preston, was griefstricken at the sudden death of her five-month-old baby girl Caitlin in November last year and thought she would never have anything to smile about again.

She and partner Paul Cartwright, 40, were distraught at the tragedy and it was made even worse as Caitlin was the baby Claire thought she would never have after doctors told her she was unlikely to have children.

But now Claire and Paul have found happiness through their tears as new baby Kyle has entered their lives.

And in a twist of fate, doctors have revealed the date which they believe Claire's new baby was conceived - the day before Caitlin's death.

Claire, who visits Caitlin's grave every day, said: "I was in pieces after Caitlin's death in November and I don't think I will ever get over losing her.

"Just after Christmas, I discovered I was pregnant and it was a real shock as I didn't think I would get pregnant again.

"A few years before I had Caitlin, I developed a womb infection which doctors told me had left me unlikely to ever have children.

"I was actually six months pregnant with Caitlin before I realised and I was so overjoyed.

"It was heartbreaking when she died and I felt angry and didn't understand why she had been given to me only to be taken away again."

Baby Caitlin had been healthy and happy the day before her death and had been smiling and gurgling when Claire put her to bed.However, the following morning, a frantic Claire found Caitlin wasn't breathing and had a rash all over her body.

Despite attempts to resuscitate her, Caitlin died and the cause of death was meningococcal meningitis, the bacterial form of the disease.

The LEP reported how the couple suffered fresh anguish earlier this year after yobs vandalised Caitlin's grave at Preston Cemetery.

When Claire found out she was pregnant again, she was happy, but anxious. She said: "It was really strange to find out that doctors thought I had conceived was the day before Caitlin's death.

"I was quite worried and anxious throughout the pregnancy and I am so happy Kyle is healthy and well.

"He was quite small as he was only 4lb 3oz, but he is gorgeous and looks a bit like Caitlin did.

"Caitlin will never be replaced as she was unique and I will never forget her. She was a beautiful, happy little girl and losing her was the worst moment of my life.

"But Kyle has given us something to smile about again and he is adorable.

"After what happened to Caitlin, I am a bit anxious about him and am constantly checking him. But we have got a special monitor which goes under his mattress and goes off if the baby stops breathing and that has put my mind more at ease."

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