Chris and Gina Cattell with their new baby Raphael Isaac. Picture by Peter Boam.
GINA Cattell and her husband, Chris, are celebrating a little miracle — and a big one — they attribute to Christian faith healing.
Community nurse Gina, 35, says the laying on of hands led to her getting pregnant despite medical advice just weeks after she stopped chemotherapy.
She gave birth to a healthy son and says she now shows no sign of the bowel and liver cancer that had been diagnosed as terminal.
Committed Christian, Gina, of Shamblers Road, Cowes, was in 2008 told the worst possible news by her oncologist, that following bowel and liver operations, she still had cancer and it had moved to her lungs.
"They offered me further treatment, but I was exhausted and the thought of more chemotherapy was difficult because it would not be curative, only palliative," Gina said.
"I went away discouraged, but sought God, as I have throughout the illness. I felt he had made me a promise I would see my old age and grey hairs and, hopefully, my grandchildren.
"It was a big expectation because I did not have children. Getting pregnant was against all medical advice."
She went to Craig Marsh’s Christian healing meeting in Haywards Heath, Sussex, where he told his own story of being miraculously healed from stomach cancer.
"In June 2009, I went to this meeting hoping to be encouraged. I believe I was healed as I received a touch from Jesus through his hands. I also had people praying for me regarding my reduced fertility."
Craig Marsh visited the Church on the Roundabout, Newport, on Wednesday.
Gina said: "Now I stand here with a double miracle, I no longer have cancer in my liver and it shows no signs of growth in my lungs. I am also a mother."
Her son was born on July 20 at St Mary’s Hospital.
"We have named him Raphael Isaac as it means God has healed and brought laughter.
"I remain well and our baby is strong and healthy, thanks to God, and all those at the hospital who helped this miracle take place," Gina added.
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk