Baby boy prepares for first Christmas at home after 547 days in hospital in London
Bertie was born prematurely at 24 weeks and has undergone five operations in his short life.
Last updated 23rd Dec 2025
A baby boy who has spent most of his life in hospital is getting ready to celebrate his first Christmas at home.
Bertie Melly weighed just 1lb 10oz when he was born prematurely at 24 weeks in May 2024 and has undergone five operations since being diagnosed with a life-threatening bowel condition.
After 547 days in hospital, Bertie is now back home in Bromley with his parents, Phoebe and Callum Melly, who said their son is a "remarkable little human being".
Bertie's health challenges and care
Bertie was born at St Thomas’ Hospital in London after a 17-minute labour. He was diagnosed with necrotising enterocolitis, a serious condition causing inflammation and destruction of intestinal tissue.
At just 10 days old, he underwent his first bowel surgery and spent six months in neonatal intensive care before transferring to Evelina London Children’s Hospital.
Bertie’s parents stayed close by at the Ronald McDonald House while he received care.
Phoebe Melly, 34, credited the love and dedication from hospital staff as pivotal in Bertie’s progress.
"In the NICU and in the paediatric ward at the Evelina, everyone just loved him and genuinely really cared for him, which was so nice, and I think that's really helped him to get to where he is today," she said.
Thriving at home
Bertie was discharged in November and is reportedly thriving. Phoebe Melly said her son’s physical development is progressing well, noting that he’s now climbing stairs and getting increasingly confident with standing.
Callum Melly, 37, described Bertie as the "happiest child you will ever meet" despite his tough start, saying, "If you see his hands, his hands are covered in scars from the amount of cannulas he's had, and he's got gaping scars all over his abdomen - and he wakes up beaming, goes to bed, beaming. He's a remarkable little human being."
Bertie's health journey continues as the family works toward weaning him off medical nutrition support. He currently has a line providing vitamins, minerals and amino acids directly into his bloodstream, but his parents hope this can be removed within six months to a year.
The couple has expressed immense gratitude for the care provided by Evelina’s team.
"They saved his life at the end of the day, on countless occasions," Callum said.
Plans for Christmas
The family is planning a special Christmas surrounded by loved ones. Already, Bertie has visited Father Christmas, although his mother noted he seemed more fascinated by the decorations than the man himself.
This festive season marks a milestone for the Mellys, as they can finally enjoy their first Christmas together at home with their baby boy.
Iain Yardley, consultant paediatric and neonatal surgeon at Evelina London, shared his joy at Bertie's progress.
"Bertie has faced many, many challenges in his short life. He and his parents have faced these challenges with extraordinary grace and courage. Seeing him go home is what we all have been working for and we could not be more pleased for him and his family," he said.