A MOTHER who gave birth to a baby 12 weeks prematurely in Spain has told of the terrifying moment she thought she was going to die.

Karla Hornby, from Breightmet, gave birth to baby Freddie, weighing just 2lbs, by emergency caesarean section while on holiday in Benidorm with her partner Jordan Jackson — Freddie’s dad.

The couple have been told they will have to stay in Spain for at least three months and their family and friends are now desperately trying to raise funds to support them.

Mr Jackson, aged 21, is a serviceman in the army’s Royal Logistics corps and has served in Afghanistan and is due to report back for service on Monday.

The pair had travelled to the Spanish resort for a final relaxing break before Ms Hornby was due to give birth in three months time.

The 29-year-old, who is already a mum to 7-year-old Charlie, had been cleared to fly by medical staff but was horrified when she suddenly went into labour.

She said: “On Saturday we were relaxing by the pool when my waters suddenly broke — I was in complete and utter shock.”

She was taken to hospital, where doctors found that she was already 2cm dilated and transferred her to a bigger hospital.

She said: “Jordan wasn’t allowed in the ambulance with me and the staff didn’t speak any English so I had no idea what was going on — my contractions were getting stronger.”

“In hospital I was bleeding heavily — it was the scariest thing that has ever happened to me.

“I had one big contraction and bled heavily, so they rushed me to theatre — I was shaking and I couldn’t breathe, I thought I was going to die.”

An emergency c-section was performed but the couple weren’t able to see little Freddie until the following evening.

She said: “I couldn’t stop crying, I was so relieved that he was ok but he just looked so small — I was desperate to pick him up.”

The family have been able to use insurance to pay for medical costs but have already had to fork out £1,000 for a hotel and are facing the prospect of supporting themselves in Spain for at least three months as Freddie gains the strength needed to fly home.

Their family and friends are doing everything they can to raise money to help and a funding website has already raised more than £2,000.

Mr Jackson’s mother, Vickie Cunliffe said: “It has been so frightening for everyone — we are just trying to think of as many ways as possible to raise money to help them.”

Ms Hornby’s best friend Lisa Johnston said: “We just want as many people as possible to get in touch and do what they can to help them survive over there.”

To donate to the funding page, visit www.gofundme.com/st3kxfk