Baby Giovan was given a 20% chance of survival when he was born 16 weeks early - now he's a 6 foot 3 inch tall graduate

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Giovan Hayer a few days old and then graduating from Sheffield Hallam University Credit: ITV News Central/family photo

  • One of the smallest babies ever to be cared for by doctors in Derby is now 21 and has celebrated his graduation!

  • Giovan Hayer was born 16 weeks early weighing only 0.710kg

  • The family want to celebrate this milestone and give hope to other families of premature babies.

Giovan Hayer was born 16 weeks early, weighing only 0.710kg and 32.5cm in length.

In 1997, he was read the last rites in the Special Care Baby Unit at Derby City hospital, as he only had 20% chance of survival.

He went on to spend five months there.

Credit: ITV News Central/family photo
Credit: Family photo

He's just celebrated his graduation from Sheffield Hallam University with a degree in English.

Credit: Family photo

Giovan studied at Derby Grammar School for GCSEs and A Levels and then went on to university where he completed his BA (Hons) English Language degree this year.

Giovan went from a 0.710kg, 32.5cm long premature baby to a 6ft 3inches tall young man, who is a FA junior league referee and is passionate about sport.

Credit: Family photo