Paralympian Jessica-Jane Applegate Reveals Baby Girl Came Off Ventilator After Birth at 23 Weeks

Jessica-Jane Applegate has a big reason to celebrate after weeks of uncertainty.

“A little update on our amazing Alara ❤️ Yesterday was a huge milestone for our little warrior,” the retired paralympic simmer, 29, wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, July 22, sharing a joy-filled update on her daughter’s health after she was born premature at 23 weeks gestation.

“After nearly two weeks of repeated lung collapses, being treated with antibiotics for suspected NEC, and being diagnosed with an underactive thyroid, Alara was finally able to come off the ventilator and move onto BiPAP,” Applegate continued. “She has now managed over 12 hours on BiPAP, and we couldn’t be prouder. It’s another incredible step forward, and she’s continuing to show everyone just how strong and determined she is.”

Applegate and her longtime partner, Declan Jermy, found out they were expecting their first child together in January.

They later announced the arrival of their bundle of joy on June 26, revealing she weighed 525g — just over one pound — and “was smaller than the palm of our hand.”

At the time, Applegate and her daughter, Alara, were both treated for suspected septicaemia (blood poisoning) and while the athlete has since recovered, the couple’s daughter remained in intensive care. Alara’s original due date wasn’t until September 23, as noted in a fundraiser launched by the couple.

“We know there is still a long journey ahead, with her immunisations this Friday and her first eye screening next Tuesday, but for today we’re celebrating this huge achievement,” Applegate shared alongside photos of her daughter with the hashtag micro preemie. (A micro preemie is a baby born before week 26 of pregnancy or weighing less than 1 pound, 12 ounces.)

Several donations have been made to support the new parents as Alara’s journey continues.

“We’re not people who find it easy to ask for help, but the financial strain has become overwhelming,” the fundraiser description reads. “Declan has had to take time away from work so he can support both me and Alara. Unfortunately, paternity leave only goes so far, and statutory pay doesn’t cover the reality of our situation.”

They added, “If you’re able to donate, no matter how small the amount, it would help ease some of the financial pressure and allow us to focus on what matters most being by Alara’s side while she continues to grow stronger every day.”