Weighing just 3lb between them, Sunderland twins Jack and Thomas Ferry weren't expected to survive after being born four months early.
Parents Helen Morgan and David Ferry were told to expect the worst after their sons were born 16 weeks early at Sunderland Royal Hospita l on April 11, 2001. The pair were so tiny that they were dubbed the "sugar bag babies," with Thomas weighing just 1lb 10oz and brother Jack weighing 1lb 6oz.
The pair spent four months in Sunderland's intensive care unit hooked up to machines to help them breathe while their internal organs finished forming. They had four blood transfusions each to keep them alive and underwent laser treatment to their eyes and had hernia operations during their time in hospital.
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Mum Helen, 43, said it was "touch and go" whether her brave boys would make it, but the pair proved to be little fighters and defied doctors' expectations by pulling through against all the odds. Now the brothers are celebrating their 21st birthday - a day their family thought they might never see.
"It is unbelievable to reach such a milestone," mum Helen said. "They weren't expected to survive and it was touch and go with them a few times. The time has just flown over and I can't believe I have 21-year-old boys now.
"It's unbelievable to think how small they were when they were born. When Jack stands next to me now he's the height of me!"
It hasn't been an easy journey for brothers from Norton Road, Southwick, who have spent their lives battling a number of health issues. Thomas has hearing difficulties and cerebral palsy, while Jack has hearing and sight problems.
Over the years, Thomas has seen his hearing improve with a cochlear implant, while Jack’s sight has improved by having permanent lenses fitted in his eyes. Thomas has also had to undergo a number of operations on his feet to help him weight-bear.
But despite their struggles, the pair have continued to make their parents proud and both attend college. Thomas studies sport at TyneMet College while Jack has sensory learning at Percy Hedley College.
"I am so proud of them every day," mum Helen said. "They have been through so much so to get this far they have done really well."
To celebrate their milestone birthdays, Jack will go swimming at the Alan Shearer Centre in Newcastle, while Thomas will watch the WWE Live wrestling show at the Utilita Arena Newcastle with mum Helen.
