WHEN Hannah May Skinner entered the world 15 months ago she was a much-wanted and much-loved baby for parents Sarah and Barry.

Her arrival, however, led the Horwich couple on a worrying health journey as Hannah was born with a birthmark, leading to fears about her future health and development.

Sarah, aged 30, had a relatively straightforward pregnancy and birth.

"There was just this mottling on Hannah's right thigh and two toes on her foot were purply-black," recalled Sarah.

During the next 24 hours, as the birthmark began to establish itself, the couple became concerned. Over the next weeks, it became more noticeable, covering Hannah's thigh and back of her leg.

Sarah and Barry — who works in IT — went online to discover more about birthmarks. Many are a haemangioma, a collection of blood vessels forming a lump under the skin which can fade completely over time.

One in 10 babies is born with this. It's treatable in various ways, including with beta blocker Propranolol or by laser treatment.

The other main type of birthmark, more worrying, is a port wine stain. These red or purple marks are caused by a capillary malformation: widened blood vessels with constant blood flow.

They're evident in one in 330 babies and more common on the face or neck. Children born with them may suffer from various associated disorders including epilepsy, glaucoma and learning difficulties.

"Most people don't even realise the problems around birthmarks until, like us, they come into direct contact with it," added Barry.

The worried couple consulted their GP, who was very supportive and referred Hannah to specialists at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.

At around 10 weeks, Hannah saw consultant Dr Mary Glover who was able to diagnose a haemangioma .

"It was a massive relief," said Sarah.

By then, Sarah had been in contact with the Birthmark Support Group and received huge amounts of help.

"It really opened our eyes to what these parents and children go through," she added.

The strain of a new baby, compounded by the birthmark concerns, though, pushed Sarah into post-natal depression. She put on a stone in weight and joined a local WeightWatchers' group where she was helped by leader Claire Bond back to pre-baby size.

This has also prompted a new career for Sarah, as a WeightWatchers' leader. She has begun a Thursday evening group at Adlington and tomorrow (Saturday, May 9) she opens a morning group at Horwich RMI at 10am. This includes stalls from local businesses and fundraising for the Birthmark Support Group.

Hannah is now a lively toddler, just starting to walk. Her birthmark has faded remarkably well, attracting medical interest especially from America.

Her parents, however, still need to protect the sensitive areas of skin on her leg and foot.

"It's been quite a journey," added Sarah. "But we count ourselves lucky."

For more information about the Birthmark Support Group go to birthmarksupportgroup.org.uk and to find out more about Sarah's WeightWatchers' groups call 07745 018363 or email sskinner@weight-watchers.co.uk.