Blair prays for chancellor's baby

The UK's chancellor and his wife are maintaining a vigil at their new-born baby's side

EDINBURGH, Scotland -- UK Prime Minister Tony Blair says he is praying for the new-born daughter of his Chancellor Gordon Brown who remains gravely ill in hospital after a brain haemorrhage.

Jennifer Brown, who was born seven weeks premature 11 days ago, was baptised in hospital on Sunday after her condition deteriorated, a spokesman for Brown and his wife, Sarah, 37, said.

The couple are maintaining a vigil at the neo-natal unit at the Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary -- one of the UK's top facilities.

A brief statement issued on behalf of the Browns at the weekend said: "Sadly, Jennifer's condition following her brain haemorrhage has deteriorated over the last 24 hours.

"Gordon and Sarah are with her and are grateful for the support and good wishes they are receiving at a difficult time."

No further details were being released about Jennifer's treatment or her condition.

Blair and his wife Cherie, on an official visit to the Indian sub-continent, were said to be keeping in close touch with developments.

"All their thoughts and prayers are with Gordon, Sarah and baby Jennifer," the prime minister's official spokesman told the Press Association.

The child was transferred to the neo-natal unit on Friday after doctors at the Forth Park Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife, where she was born on December 28, became concerned about the results of an ultrasound scan.

Condition 'could be fatal'

A Church of Scotland spokeswoman said it was not uncommon for people to have an ill child baptised.

She told PA: "It is obviously up to individuals but I don't think it's uncommon for people to have their babies baptised in a sad situation.

"Clearly it is something that people want done quietly and it is something that the Browns may have done.

"People who want their children to be taken into the Church of Scotland would have their child baptised."

Leading experts warned that a brain haemorrhage in a baby as small as Jennifer -- who was born seven weeks premature weighing -- could prove fatal.

If she survived she could be severely handicapped.

Brown, 50, and his public relations consultant wife were overjoyed at the birth of their first child, who weighed just two pounds four ounces (1.1 kg) at birth.

At the time, Brown said he had waited longer than most people to become a father but it was "a superb feeling."

Despite her size when she was delivered by Caesarean section, doctors were initially encouraged by Jennifer's progress.

She was said to have been breathing independently and tolerating small amounts of food.

She had been expected to remain in hospital until next month.