By Jo Charlton

joanne.charlton@essnmedia.co.uk

When Marie and Keith Green found out they were going to be parents for the first time they were overjoyed.

But their joy turned to heartache after complications meant their unborn child was deprived of oxygen for nearly 10 minutes when Marie went into Labour.

It left their newborn son Liam, unable to see, talk or breath for himself, so he now needs 24-hour care.

Marie and Keith do not know how long they have left with Liam - who is now nine - but he is unlikely to survive to adulthood.

Postman Keith, 41, of Pixton Way, Forestdale, said: "It's always there. You try to put it to the back of your mind and just enjoy the time he's here.

"People say I don't know how you deal with it and it is really hard to see your child suffering like that, but he's ours."

Liam was diagnosed as having cerebral palsy and Marie, 40, is now his full time carer.

She has to feed him through a tube, bathe him, give him medication three times a day and care for his every need.

The youngster knows who his family are although there is little communication.

Keith said: "He recognises our voices and we can tell when he's happy.

"He doesn't like unfamiliar places and lots of noise, though, and it gets him very disorientated."

Less than two years after Liam was born Marie fell pregnant again, but Keith admitted they had mixed emotions.

He said: "We were sceptical thinking is it going to happen again.

"We didn't go to Mayday Hospital because there are too many bad memories. So Marie went to Princess Royal University Hospital, in Farnborough."

Thankfully, their second child James was born fit and healthy.

However, having a child with Liam's condition can prove very difficult.

They have never been abroad incase something happens to Liam and a lot of insurers will not cover him.

For the first time ever James is going abroad this year with Marie's sister.

But Keith said: "It would've been really good if we could take him as a family but we can't do things like other families can.

"It's hard to know what James thinks about it all and we worry about paying him enough attention as Liam needs us so much.

"I once heard him talking to his cousin who was talking about his sister and he said 'I wish my brother could walk and talk'.

"But he loves him and gives him hugs and kisses - he doesn't know any different."

Marie and Keith do get some respite thanks to Christopher's - a children's hospice in Guildford run by CHASE.

Keith said: "It's been a godsend. There's always someone there to talk to and they look after Liam so we can take James out."

*To make a much needed donation to CHASE visit www.chasecare.org.uk or call 01483 454213.