Baby Isaac Mason's parents today spoke of their relief after finding out the newborn does not carry the same enzyme deficiency that killed two-year-old Evie.

Nichola and Michael Mason faced an agonising wait to find out if Isaac had the genetic disease which left them devastated.

Because the couple both carry the same deficiency, little Isaac faced a one-in-four chance of having I-cell disease, which affects just one-in-three million people.

It meant 34-year-old Nichola's pregnancy was tinged with sadness as she waited to find out if her second child had the life-threatening condition.

But the couple were overjoyed to learn that Isaac, now nine weeks old, is free of the disease.

Speaking from their home in Ringwood Square, Red House, Nichola said: "I couldn't stop crying when I heard the results, I had to ask if she was sure they were Nichola Mason's results?

"I would have Evie back today if I could, with the condition, because that's the way she was. But I couldn't go through that again with another baby.

"We wanted another child after Evie but when I found out I was pregnant I tried not to bond until I found out the results. I couldn't celebrate until then."

Eleven weeks into her pregnancy, Nichola underwent a chorion villus biopsy (CVB) where a small piece of tissue from the placenta is taken to check for chromosomes.

She has now been given the news she longed for after Isaac was born weighing a healthy 8lb10 at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Nichola and husband Michael, 41, a Royal Mail office worker, say their son will grow up knowing about his big sister and her battle for life.

The courageous youngster underwent four gruelling operations to cope with the disease, an enzyme deficiency that caused a build-up of toxins in her body.Evie, who required round-the-clock care, died in 2005 after being admitted to intensive care with a chest infection.

Nichola, a care support worker for North East Autism Society, said: "What she could have understood, Evie would have loved Isaac and made a right fuss of him."


Nichola is teaming up with cousin Paula Fairbairn and pals Lisa Pemberton and Andrea Fleming to take part in this year's Midnight Walk in aid of the Grace House Children's Hospice Appeal.

Her precious years spent with a poorly child means she know just how important a children's hospice would be in Sunderland.

Nichola, who will take part dressed as a pirate, said: "They are a lifeline for families. People think hospices are about death, but a children's hospice is about life and celebrating what time you have left."

Nichola, who also took part last year, is urging others to join in the ladies-only event on Saturday, June 19, which will take place in Seaburn and Roker.

Entry is £15 or £50 for a group of four and every walker will receive a special Midnight Walk t-shirt, glow stick, medal and breakfast at the finishing line.

•To register, volunteer or for more information telephone the fundraising department on 516 6302 or visit their website www.gracehouse.co.uk

•To sponsor Nichola, visit http://www.justgiving.com/midnightpirates