British triplets deceive death thrice

London, Nov 10 (UNI) Going from strength to strength, triplets of a British couple have deceived death three times each after stopping breathing.

Isabel, Ben and Emily Collier, were premature babies, born at 29 weeks and weighed just over 2 pounds each at birth at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital here on January 6 last year.

''Their survival is a miracle,'' said their parents Andy and Anna Collier.

At the time of birth, they were placed on ventilators in intensive care because they could not breathe on their own.

Mrs Collier said,''I wondered how could anything so small possibly survive.'' At eight weeks, Isabel stopped breathing. Her mother said.''It was terrifying. She went blue and limp and lifeless. The doctors managed to resuscitate her. She was so lucky, as she was just seconds from death.'' Three weeks later the same happened to Ben and two hours later to Emily. But doctors managed to save them.

Mrs Collier said,'' I just worried about how much more the babies could take. That afternoon, when we nearly lost them both, I called Black Tuesday.'' The babies each had to be brought back to life two more times each.

Mrs Collier said,''Each time they managed to hold on. The doctors couldn't believe what little fighters they were.'' After 101 days the triplets were allowed to go home and are now up to average weight.

UNI