Our lung cancer specialist nurse Maria Hill's journey to becoming a Mum was watched by thousands of viewers across Yorkshire last night - the TV highlight of NHS70 week.

Maria and husband James had baby Oliver after five years of trying and on their third IVF attempt - cared for by Martin De Bono and our amazing Yorkshire Fertility team. He was born by caesarian 13 days ago in Theatre Five at CRH with the team featured in last week's CHFT Weekly.

 And new Mum, Maria is loving all those sleepless - because she can't believe he's finally arrived and  just can't stop staring at him!

Maria said: " It had been so tough for us as a couple so when I became pregnant I couldn't believe it.  Even when they were showing me the heartbeat on a scan, I still couldn't. Even now I just can't my eyes off him - even all through the night."

 She praised  the team at Yorkshire Fertility for always being there for them.  "I knew if I rang  with a worry there was always someone there at the end of a phone for me. And I did worry. Lots. Yet the team were so calm, patient and caring."

She said it had been a very emotional journey. " After five years, you do wonder if it's ever going to happen and now it has I can't believe it and I can't take my eyes off him."

She said she wanted to thank all the CHFT colleagues who had been involved - including the theatre team, maternity  teams at CRH and the  radiology team at HRI - see picture.

Oliver - with middle name James (after his Dad) - was delivered by caesarian as he had been in a constant breech position. He weighed 8lbs 15.5 lbs and had become slightly stuck under Maria's ribs during the the delivery.

Maria, added: " During the birth they were  fabulous - again so caring and putting us at ease throughout."

Sonographer Jason Dos Santos, pictured with them, sent his congratulations. A dad himself, he admiited: "Seeing babies on scans is always a little emotional as it is such a special time."  

Maria will now take nine months maternity leave then return to work.

She added: " Everyone says he looks like me but I think he looks like a little old man. When he's older he will have the TV film of his birth and not many can say that."

** ITV Calendar filmed a story showcasing the NHS at its best  from a different Trust every day of this week and kept Maria's story for the Big Day yesterday as it was so special.