The pair, Ella and William, were born on April 21 at 25 weeks, weighing just 750 grams.

Speaking to the Weekly on Friday, Mrs Hayes said it had been a tough road for the Croydon Hills family. "I knew, being twins, there was a chance of them coming early but at 25 weeks, we were not prepared for them at all."

Mrs Hayes was rushed to the MMC after an ultrasound revealed William's waters were coming through her cervix.

"We tried medication, lying flat, everything to prolong it for as long as we could, but that only lasted two days and then my waters broke," she said.

"In the back of my mind I knew it was labour starting, so I was very nervous, very scared for them."

Since their births, the twins have battled through a number of health issues, with William facing multiple challenges.

Within a month of being born, he was diagnosed with 'neck', which meant his bowel was blocked and expanded before perforating.

Doctors immediately performed life-saving surgery, with a 40 per cent chance of him surviving the operation.

Doctors then found a severe brain haemorrhage in William, but a recent MRI scan revealed it had not got worse than first anticipated.

"He should walk and crawl and all those things that normal kids do so that's a big relief because we weren't sure what we were facing," Mrs Hayes said.

"They told us maybe things might not work out so well for William but he's a fighter.

"We've said a couple of times we should make his middle name Ali, because he's fought some battles. This boy - he's a real little miracle."

Ella has also overcome her own health issues, battling a chronic lung disease. "She'll improve as she gets older and her lungs mature," Mrs Hayes said.

Mr Hayes said he was looking forward to his daughter and son's homecoming in a couple of weeks' time.

"I'm very happy that these two are strong enough now that we can really be confident we're going to be taking them home, and have Father's Day next year all together as a complete family.

"We know we've got a bright future ahead of us and that's the greatest gift of all on Father's Day."