'Our daughter would have been diagnosed as having fatal foetal abnormality, yet this special soul has made us far better parents and better people'

Loving daughter: Tracy Harkin with Kathleen Rose and husband Thomas

In a heartfelt account of what it's like to have a severely disabled child, Lisburn mum-of-eight Tracy Harkin says her daughter Kathleen Rose has profoundly enriched her life. If other parents were offered better support, they wouldn't consider abortion, the 43-year-old argues.

My daughter Kathleen Rose was born at 6.15am on November 2, 2006, and weighed in at 6lb 7oz. I will always remember the beautiful feel of her soft silky skin next to mine as I cradled her in my arms for the very first time.