The parents of premature baby Evie born in the Dominican Republic 12 weeks early are remaining optimistic they can return home by the beginning of December.

Mum Sharon Halls gave birth on September 28 after an infection she picked up brought on early contractions.

Miss Halls and partner Daniel Compton had to shell out thousands of pounds for the private hospital they were taken to initially, before being moved to a public hospital where Evie remains.

But despite the sanitation and level of care at the hospital being a concern for the parents, Evie has begun to make progress.

“She’s feeding which is good progress,” Miss Halls said.

“It’s not regular but it is better and she’s put on some weight. It’s a bit worrying because we are still in the public hospital, and she’s not quite getting big enough, but I am just going to be positive.”

The new mum admitted there had been some worries after several babies had died in the ward since the couple have been there, but they have been advised not to move Evie by doctors.

Miss Halls is being encouraged to try to hold Evie where possible, to help aid her progress.

“They have been encouraging me to try and hold her which is something they do for premature babies,” Miss Halls added. “Every precious moment of me holding her is just amazing.”

The couple set up an online fundraising page to help cover the hefty costs of Evie’s treatment while they waited for their insurance company to confirm they would pay out.

They raised £75,000 in a few days, but closed the page when insurers agreed to cover the costs.

Miss Halls added: “They are paying for her care but it is not necessarily where we would like her to be.”

But despite the concerns over the hospital, indications look positive that the family will be returning by the end of November or early December.