BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Rachel Burden has thanked staff at Macclesfield Hospital who've looked after her new born son 'day and night with military precision' after she gave birth nine weeks early.

The journalist, who has hosted the show from the studios in Salford Quays for five years, prematurely gave birth to little Henry after she was diagnosed with severe pre-eclampsia.

Rachel, whose absence from the show wasn't explained to listeners, revealed what had happened an online blog, saying

mum and baby ‘are both in good shape thanks to the wonderful support from the teams around us’.

Read more:

The 41-year-old, from Knutsford, wrote: “There are a few people I’d like to say thank you to. Firstly, to the doctors, nurses and midwives at Wythenshawe Hospital .

"They kept an eye on me through my pregnancy, and picked up that I was pretty poorly (when I was in complete denial). They then made sure we were moved to a hospital where we could both be looked after.

“Thank you to all the staff at Burnley General hospital for finding space for us, and gently guiding us through some difficult decisions.

"Also to the midwives, who constantly monitored me, encouraged me, offered me cups of tea at any hour of the day or night, remembered my name, and helped me feel safe and secure when I felt like I was living through some sort of surreal dream.

“Thank you to the army of medics - consultants, anaesthetists, nurses, baby doctors and midwives - who were on duty that Sunday afternoon to deliver our tiny boy into the safest hands you could find anywhere in the world.

“Thank you to the amazing neonatal nurses and doctors at Burnley and now Macclesfield, who’ve looked after him day and night with military precision, celebrating every tiny step forward, feeding him, cleaning him, talking to him gently and with such care, and keeping an eye on every tiny change in his development.

“And thank you to the midwives again, who have continued to look after me, helping me back on my feet, making sure I feed myself and get some rest, celebrating every drop of milk I make, bringing me night-time toast, asking after Henry, and helping me to find my feet again.

“Thank you to the other parents I met along the way, some of them facing far more challenging situations than our own, for their support, advice and encouragement.

“And away from our lives in and out of hospital, I’d also like to say thank you to all the 5 live listeners who’ve been in touch, and sent their good wishes. I didn’t expect to be taking a break from the early mornings quite so soon, and look forward to returning in a few months time.

“And of course huge thanks to my amazing family, friends and neighbours for everything they’ve done for us. But they know how grateful I am.

“Henry is putting on weight and getting a little bit stronger every day. We send all our thoughts and good wishes to any parents of premature or poorly babies who are going through similar experiences.”