A MUM has spoken of how she lives in fear that her baby girl could stop breathing at any time due to a rare condition.

Jade Connolly and husband Josh have to closely monitor little Murphi.

The couple gave-up their previous jobs – and set-up a home-based business – so they could focus more on providing the necessary care.

Murphi – whose first birthday is next month – was born ten weeks premature with Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula (TOF), in which part of the baby's oesophagus is joined to its windpipe.

Without surgery, air passes from the windpipe to the foodpipe and stomach.

And stomach acid makes its way into the lungs.

After her birth at Airedale Hospital, Murphi – who was unable to swallow – was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary where she was operated on the same day to disconnect the stomach from the lungs.

"She was so tiny – she was just 3lb at birth – and didn't respond well to the anaesthetic," said Jade, 28, from Riddlesden.

"She had a second operation a week later, when they connected the stomach and the oesophagus.

"Murphi was on a life-support ventilator for two weeks.

"I really feared she wasn't going to survive. It was touch and go."

Murphi spent nine weeks in LGI, but the treatment didn't end there.

She has had seven operations to stretch open the oesophagus.

"The problem is that where the join has been created it contracts as she grows and she is prone to choking," said Jade.

"They need to keep stretching it.

"We have to look out for any signs Murphi is struggling to swallow.

"She had an episode where she choked and stopped breathing and needed immediate surgery.

"Every night when I put her to bed I'm checking on her constantly.

"We're weaning her now and trying to introduce solids, and I'm petrified.

"But Murphi is doing so well and has been through so much. She's amazing.

"It's possible that where the join is, the oesophagus might not work properly as she gets older, but no-one can say. Each child with the condition is different."

Jade – who used to work for her parents' family business, Keighley printing firm DMP – and former off-shore diver Josh, 26, both gave-up their jobs and have launched Marsh Farm Cattery.

Pampered guests at the 'pet hotel' each receive a hamper – including a basket, treats and toys – on arrival and sleep in miniature tepees over underfloor heating.

"We love animals and we saw a gap in the market for an upmarket cattery," said Jade, who is expecting a second child in March.

"It's going well and we've had good feedback.

"We also have a dog walking service and hope to develop kennels in due course too."

Visit marshfarmcattery.com or e-mail meow@marshfarmcattery.com for more details.