Ice-skating coach Jayne Soliman (41) collapsed and died from a brain haemorrhage but doctors at Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading managed to keep her heart beating long enough to deliver Aya Jayne by Caesarean section.

Jayne was given big doses of steroids to help the child's lungs develop and within 48 hours she gave birth to Aya. The kid, born 15 weeks prematurely, was her first child, the 'Daily Express' reported.

Her 29-year-old Egyptian-born Mahmoud said: “I can't believe my little daughter has survived. In the space of 48 hours, I have experienced joy at the birth of my child and endured torment over losing my wonderful wife.

“The two things she always wanted were a loving husband and a kid. I know she fought with all her might to keep our child alive, but it breaks my heart to know that she will never know Aya Jane.” The couple married in Abu Dhabi in May 2007 after a brief courtship while Southampton-born Jayne was teaching ice skating in Dubai. She converted to Islam and the couple moved to the UK, setting up home in Berks.

Jayne was only 25 weeks pregnant when she collapsed in her bedroom after going to bed complaining of a headache.