A BRAVE teen who battled Covid pneumonia in intensive care has defied the odds to reach his 16th birthday.

The family of Taylor Smith was told to ‘expect the worst’ as he fought Covid pneumonia for three weeks in January at Manchester Children’s Hospital.

The Barrovian was diagnosed with Niemann-Pick disease type C when he was just a baby and his family were warned his life-limiting condition could mean he might never see his 13th birthday.

Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare progressive genetic disorder characterised by an inability of the body to transport cholesterol and other fatty substances inside of cells.

It is often referred to as ‘childhood Alzheimer’s’ and the average life expectancy for those diagnosed as an infant is five.

In 2016, Taylor’s condition began to deteriorate causing him to lose his speech, suffer seizures and struggle to swallow.

It was at that point medics warned his family he might only have a few years left to live.

However, Taylor continued to defy doctors’ expectations, but his health took a turn for the worst in January when he was hospitalised with Covid pneumonia.

Mum-of-three Stephanie O’Hara feared her son would not see his 16th birthday.

She said: “We were told to prepare for the worst when Taylor was in the ICU.We thought he wouldn’t make his 16th birthday.

“He was on ventilation fighting Covid pneumonia for three weeks and we were all shocked when he started to get better.

“I even got him baptised in hospital because I thought that could be it. I don’t believe in God, but think there must be someone watching over him for him to recover how he has.

“It really was touch and go for a while and he’s done so well since January.

“When he was first diagnosed we were told to take each day as it comes — we never thought he’d reach, 16 it’s amazing.”

The brave teen is turning 16 on Saturday and his friends and family are going above and beyond to celebrate the milestone.

“After the year Taylor’s had, we really wanted to go all out for his birthday this year,” Ms O’Hara said.

“He’s 16 on Saturday but we’re going to have a big party at Cavendish Park on the 23rd when restrictions have lifted.

“Last year, there was a parade of motorbikes for him, but we want this year to be even bigger and better.”

The family has arranged two bouncy castles, a DJ, face paints, a candy floss machine, games, a giant birthday cake, fireworks and a parade of motorbikes to ensure Taylor’s birthday is one to remember.

Ms O’Hara said: “We’ve made sure all his favourite things are there. He’s going to be absolutely over the moon.

“We normally do a big celebration every year but we wanted it to be extra special this year after everything Taylor’s been through. I’m so proud of how far he’s come — I wouldn’t change him for the world.”